Gary Wayne Dr. James

Dr. Gary Wayne James passed away on Wednesday, August 6, 2008 at his home in Gray, Tennessee following a lengthy illness. Gary graduated from ETSU and University of Tennessee Dental School in Memphis, Tennessee with honors in 1981. He was a member of Xi Psi Phi Fraternity. He practiced dentistry for the past 25 years in Johnson City and recently closed his practice due to illness in May 2008. Gary was a member of Central Baptist Church where he had served as a deacon and preschool director. He worked with the five-year-old department at the church for 10 years. He enjoyed cooking and reading but most of all spending time with his two sons, Adam and Caleb. He has worked with Contact Ministries of Johnson City and Big Brothers of Johnson City. He received the volunteer Spotlight Award in August 1988 for his service to the community. He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Lisa Grindstaff James and two sons, Adam James and Caleb James. Survivors include his mother, Carol Ann James and special sister Ramona Houston and husband David Houston. Other survivors include his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Mary Lou and Justin Grindstaff of Hampton. His brother-in-law Mark Grindstaff and wife Shelecia of Elizabethton and several nieces and nephews also survive him. He had a special niece, Amanda Holt of Redwood City, CA and his great nephew Jackson. Memorials may be made to Keystone Dental Clinic, Johnson City, Tennessee or Central Baptist Church. A memorial service for Dr. Gary Wayne James will be conducted at 8 PM Friday, August 8, 2008 in the Morris-Baker South Chapel. Dr. Ron Murray will officiate. The family will receive friends in the funeral chapel from 6 to 8 PM Friday prior to the service.