James Paul (Jim) Gross was called home to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 2, 2025 at his home after a short battle with cancer.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 21 years, Sherry Ridgeway Gross; his son, Kent Gross of Fackler;daughters, Tisha G. Milligan of Hollywood, Jessica Talkington (Ricky) of Scottsboro, Season McKelvey (Lee) of Fyffe and Chynna Gross of Virginia.
Grandchildren are: Kody Gross (Bethany), Bryce Milligan, Brody Talkington, Kade McKelvey, Brantlee McKelvey, Kaliann Talkington and Kole McKelvey; Sister, Denise G. Gothard of Scottsboro. Nieces: Morgan Gothard and Kami Gothard.
Born January 16,1957 to Billy P. and Barbara Kent Gross, Jim was a lifelong resident of Scottsboro. A proud member of Scottsboro High School Class of 1975, Jim played basketball throughout junior high and high school. He was a member of Randall’s Chapel Methodist Church. Jim’s love of the Crimson Tide started at a very young age and continued through his lifetime.
Jim was a multi talented individual who was skilled in fixing most anything. Various manufacturing facilities throughout Scottsboro benefited from Jim’s skills. One of his great loves: automobiles. One of his most recent projects was restoring a 1952 Chevy Fire truck which was previously owned by Bridgeport Fire Department. Jim enjoyed buying and selling of heavy equipment and automobiles. It was often said that Jim could sell a unicorn a horn.
His love of nature, Jim and Sherry were actively involved riding side by sides. Many friendships have been established with people who enjoy riding side by sides.
In mid December 2024 and in between chemo treatments Jim enjoyed a ride. After the ride he stated that he really needed that! Little did we realize that would be his last ride. Above all, Jim loved his family and it was with his family and friends that he wanted to spend his time. Jim had a keen since of humor and enjoyed telling stories of events in his life that kept everyone entertained for hours on end. Jim’s stories of the most mundane event was turned into a one man comedy routine because Jim wanted people to laugh. Jim asked that his funeral service be filled with people wearing bright colors (preferably Crimson) and laughter! Jim’s ability to make and keep friends is unsurpassed. He accepted people just the way they were and would extend a helping hand whenever possible. Jim was respectful of people and his word was his bond. He said what he meant and meant was he said. Jim enjoyed all types of music from the long haired bands of the 70’s to more recent artist with some southern country thrown in. His favorite musician was Michael McDonald. Jim and Sherry attended many concerts throughout the years.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Children’s Hospital of Birmingham in honor of Kole McKelvey, his grandson,
