James Lawrence Gross, age 86, died on Wednesday, March 1, 2023. He was born in Port Huron, Michigan to Ellis and Ethel Gross on April 17, 1936. The family moved to Springfield, MO in 1954 for his father to attend Central Bible College. Jim and his brother, “Jack,” both graduated from Central High School.

Jim married Mary Corine Harris October 3, 1958. They had two children, Shelley Darlene and Samuel Clinton. He lived on, worked on, and loved the family farm.

Jim worked at the Gospel Publishing House for over forty years working in different roles in the printing industry. In retirement, Jim enjoyed volunteering at McGregor Elementary where his daughter-in-law was the principal. He loved being helpful, and he loved the teachers and students of McGregor. After his volunteering days ended, his new job became praying for loved ones daily, watching Royals baseball, Chiefs football, and many college team sports. You would find Jim in his favorite recliner with his phone in his hand reading the Bible app, or listening to a favorite song, or texting his friends and loved ones to “keep your eyes on Jesus.” Once that was done, his hand switched to holding the remote that helped him record hundreds of ballgames to watch!
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws, and brothers. His survivors include his wife, Corine; children, Shelley, Clint & wife Kathy; sister, Janet Dotson; cousins and several nieces and
nephews.
Visitation and viewing will be at Greenlawn North on Tuesday, March 7 at noon. The memorial service will be held at 1 pm on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 in the Greenlawn North Chapel. Burial
will follow at Mount Comfort Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.