James A. Gray, Ret. Capt., NFPD, 78, of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away on February 6, 2026 at Northgate Health Care Facility in Wheatfield, NY. Born in Niagara Falls, he was the son of the late Thomas F. and May (Anderson) Gray.

Jim was raised in Niagara Falls and attended Bishop Duffy High School before graduating from Niagara Falls High School. On September 18, 1965, he married the love of his life, Carol A. (Maurer) Gray, at St. John de LaSalle Church.

He proudly served with the Niagara Falls Police Department for 33 years in numerous capacities, retiring with the rank of Captain in 2001. A highlight of his distinguished career was attending the 11 week FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA, where he completed the program in 1982. Jim was also a founder of the Niagara Police Athletic League and a Past President of the Lions Club of LaSalle.

Jim lived a life full of curiosity and hands‑on passions. He enjoyed motorcycles, fishing, restoring old cars, target shooting, and spending time at his cabin on Rushford Lake. Known affectionately as “the Colonel” and “the General,” he was admired for his wide-ranging knowledge and his ability to know “a little about everything.” Above all, he cherished time spent with his family.

In addition to his devoted wife of 60 years, Carol, James is survived by his daughters, Michelle (Kenny) Petersen and Christine (Rino) Frado; his grandchildren, Nicholas Frado, Samantha Frado, Karl Petersen, Bonnie (Brad) Bastian, and Derek (Jenna) Petersen; and his great‑grandchildren, Jackson and Jonah Bastian, and Lainey Petersen. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his siblings, Nancy Oswald, Helen Flaherty, Katheryn Flynn, Anna Margaret Gray, and Thomas V. Gray.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 12, from 2 – 5 PM at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY 14304, where funeral services will follow at 5 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to Niagara Hospice, www.niagarahospice.org/ or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org/donate). Online condolences may be offered at mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com.