James Gregory

James William Gregory, age 98, of Chalk Bluff, passed away Sunday, October 11, 2026 at Providence Village in Waco.

A graveside service will be held 1:30 p.m. Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Moore Cemetery in Chalk Bluff, with Minister Alan Ritchie officiating. The service will be livestreamed at www.aderholdfh.com/live-services . The family will receive visitors from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Saturday at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel in West.

Born on June 4, 1928, in Aquilla, Texas, James was the son of Edward and Bertha (Gibson) Gregory. After graduating from Abbott High School in 1946, he exemplified dedication and service when he enlisted in the United States Army. He served honorably as Private First Class in the occupation forces in Japan from 1946 to 1948. On October 10, 1948, James was united in marriage to Joan Reed in Hillsboro. Their union was filled with love and companionship until Joan's passing on May 15, 2020. Together, they built a life rich in faith, family, and community. James dedicated over 30 years of his professional life to the General Tire and Rubber Company in Waco, where he worked as a tire builder. He was also a passionate farmer and rancher, who spent time tending to his cattle. He also enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, including fishing and playing dominoes. James and Joan were active members of the New Road Church of Christ in Waco and were among the founding members of the Elm Mott Church of Christ.

James is also preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Kathleen Underwood and Dorothy Glass; and brothers, Edward Gregory and Hollis Gregory.

Survivors include his children, Jim Gregory and Donna Praesel and husband Gary; grandchildren, Amy Nering, Lesley McDaris and husband Lamar, Rebecca Ivy and husband Heath, Courtney Gregory, and Michael Gregory and wife Deborrah; great-grandchildren, Zachary Nering and wife Kourtney, Andrew Nering, Tennyson Ivy, Abigale Hollenberg, Cade Breckeen, Fallon Ivy, Scarlett McDaris, Cameron Gregory, Desiree McDaris, and Corbin McDaris; great-great-granddaughter, Susanna Nering; brother, Gayle Gregory; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Pallbearers are Michael Gregory, Heath Ivy, Andrew Nering, Zachary Nering, Lamar McDaris, Keith Reed, and Billy Joe Berger.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in honor of James and Joan Gregory to New Road Church of Christ Missionary Fund.

The family would like to thank the compassionate, loving nursing staff at St. Catherine's: Brandi, Karina, Jasper, James, Carla, Mitzi, Sandra, Jadda, Shae, Mary, and Yvonne.