James Howard Gregory

Holden Beach, NC – James Howard “Jim” Gregory, age 71 and formerly of Abingdon, VA, passed on July 20, 2018 after a brief illness.  Jim was the former owner of Gregory Moving & Storage, head coach of Girls Basketball, Junior Varsity Boys Basketball, and Baseball at Abingdon High School.  His passion for baseball started as an adolescent and extended through college where he was the pitcher for the ETSU Baseball Team.  This led to Jim playing for minor league baseball teams and eventually becoming a scout for the New York Yankees.  He spent many years playing for men’s softball leagues and playing in the Over 40 Baseball World Series.   Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Howard and June Bruce Gregory, and brother-in-law, Bill Rush. He is survived by his wife, Evelyn Waters Gregory; daughter, Rebecca “B.J.” Long; grandson, Luke Barr; sister, Mary Jane Rush; special niece, Amy Duncan and husband Tim; great niece and nephew, Madison and Will; uncles, Danny Ray Gregory and wife Barbara, and Jack Bruce and wife Ruth; aunt, Peggy Gregory; step-sisters, Judy Sharrett and husband Ken, Phyllis Green; step-brother, Jerry O’Dell and wife Jean; step-daughter, Amy Westmoreland; step-son, Dan Henegar; several step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren; many cousins, nieces, and nephews; and special fur babies, Goldie Mae and Katie. A graveside memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, August 12, 2018, in Forest Hills Memory Gardens with Rev. Jerry Eggers officiating.  Honorary pallbearers will be Tim, Larry, and Robbie Roark.  A reception will follow the service in Farris Cremation & Funeral Center.   In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Abingdon High School Baseball Team, 705 Thompson Dr., Abingdon, VA 24210, in Jim’s name.  Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guest register. The family of James Howard “Jim” Gregory is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service & Crematory, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210, (276) 623-2700.