James “Jim” Gross
Jim (James) Madison Gross of St. Louis, MO, transitioned peacefully on July 15, 2017 at the age of 87.
He was born in Harlan, Kentucky on March 4, 1930 to Orville Gross and Hallie Brock. He came to St. Louis by way of Cincinnati and served in the U.S. 5th Army artillery unit during the Korean War.
Jim was in the real estate business for nearly 50 years and with his fun and friendly ways, made many friends throughout the area. Jim was a St. Louis Cardinals football season ticket holder from their inception in 1960 and during the Rams stay in St. Louis. Jim loved to play golf and took the family on many memorable vacations around the country.
Jim was initiated into the mysteries of Freemasonry in 1984 and was a member and past master of Bridgeton Masonic Lodge #80. He served as District Deputy Grand Master from 1991-1992, joined the Shriners Moolah Ceremonial Cast in 1991, served as Cast President in 1998 and was in the St. Louis Court #81 Royal Order of Jesters. He also joined the Scottish Rite Valley of St. Louis in 1991.
Jim was very loving, generous and joyful throughout his life. He is survived by his loving and caring partner, Ruthann Dunn, his loving children Colleen (Al) Green, James A. Gross and Jennifer Gassel, step-daughter Dianna Lucas, grandson Bo Gassel, granddaughter Madeliene Fleming, his sister Barbara (Larry) Morris, brothers BF Gross and Donald Fisher, and his dog, Zack.
He was preceded in death by his parents Orville Gross and Hallie Brock Fisher, wives Katherine (Edwards) Gross and Thelma (Wright) Gross, brothers Robert Gross and Ronald Fisher, grandson Matthew Green and step-daughter Debbie Jenkins.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to the Alzheimer’s Foundation or to the Shriner’s Hospital.
Services: A memorial gathering and Celebration of Life will be held for him at St. Louis Cremation, 2135 Chouteau Ave., St. Louis MO 63103 on Wednesday, August 2, 2017 beginning at 11:00 am with formal service and procession to Jefferson Barracks Cemetery for interment at 2:00 pm, where he will receive full military honors.
I lost my love and friend, I will miss him deeply and remember him always. Jim was a great, funny, generous person with a joyful spirit. Always a smile on his face.
Your love always
Ruthann
James helped me throughout my life, in business and as a mentor. He was a joy to have known and made an impact on myself and so many others. May God bless your memory Jim.
I met Jim as a young man around 1985. As a young and Realtor, working in St. Charles, I was wanting to learn how to work HUD foreclosures. A co-worker suggested that I telephone Jim and introduce, myself. So I did and with no hesitation he offered to mentor me for a week or so. As a Riverview Garden kid, I knew of Jim by his business signs but not as a person. I rode with Jim and Denny Long for about a week, maybe a few days more and Jim spoke throughout the day teaching me the thought process he had while dealing in HUD foreclosures. I have told this story many times to a lot of people, for his kindness made a permanent impression in my life. His accomplishments made me smile for what more can a person want in life but to make a positive impression with others. I will continue to celebrate his life, and I wanted his family and friends to know that he touched more people than you knew.
My cousin Jim was one of the kindest men I have ever known, I am sure he is with my dad and they are having a great family reunion in Heaven. Our loss is certainly Heavens gain.