James Newton Gray Jr., 56, of Culpeper, VA passed  away from plasma cell leukemia (cancer) on March 30, 2023 surrounded by his family.

Newt was born on May 28, 1966, to James and Sharon Gray in Washington, DC.

If Newton taught us anything, it would be to live life. He rode this thing called life until the wheels fell off. There wasn't much in life that he wanted to do that he didn't do. He was so special to so many and he unapologetically marched to the beat of his own drum. He was good hearted and he always had a way of making people laugh.

Newt never met a stranger and he was always willing to help and mentor others. He had a memory like an elephant and had many stories to tell from his many journeys. Not only was he a phenomenal Scrabble player, but he was a sports fanatic, loving all sports, and he played tennis so well, that even Venus and Serena would have been proud. He thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his family, watching movies, listening to Afro beats, collecting sports cards and attending AA meetings. He was quite fond of dogs and there was hardly ever a time that you didn't see him with at least a pit bull or two by his side. He was a hard core Washington Commanders fan. 

Newt was strong-willed and stubborn, but those traits undoubtedly gave him the strength that he needed to weather the many storms of life. He was a fighter that battled cancer and kept fighting until the very end; a true warrior.

His presence will be greatly missed. 

Cherishing his memory are his parents, Sharon Gray and James Newton Gray Sr, his sisters, Tracy Gray-Eleazer (Reginald Eleazer Jr.), Torrie P. Harris (Rod Harris), and Mia Gray; his children, James Newton Gray Ill, Nick Karvounis, and Elpi Karvounis; his grandchildren, Evangelina, Despina, and Kaliope; his nieces and nephews, Sierra (Dominick), Bernadette, Jerry, Trinity, Kingston, Kyro, Jayden, Sofia, Kenzi, Kori, and Jace; his great nieces and nephews, Tenzin, Kenzo, Sphinx and Onyx; his aunt, Rita Thomas-Judge (Harry Judge); his cousins Karla Jackson (Phil Jackson), Tamara Cole (Donald Cole), Ben Thomas (Tameka Thomas), William Johnson; his second cousins, Brittany, Kara, Monet, Joshua, Cameron, and Kennedi; Devoted family member Bertha Cahn, and a host of other caring relatives and friends. James was predeceased by his grandmother, Evelyn King; his grandparents, William and Blanche Gray, his aunt, Lottie Ann Johnson; and his uncle, Benjamin Thomas.

A Celebration of Life for James will be held on April 15, 2023, at 11AM at:

Mt Olive Baptist Church...(8412 White Shop Rd. Culpeper, VA 22701)

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