James Thomas Gregory Obituary

Submitted by: Michael Crosby

Source: Tupelo Journal, September 20, 1929

Died at his home on West Main St. Tuesday night, Sept. 17, 1929. J. T. Gregory aged 52 years.

Mr. Gregory had been ill for several months and for more than a month had be confined to his home and bed. His attending physicians employed all means known to the science of their profession to relieve him , but he continued to grow weaker and the end came as he quietly fell asleep at the close of the day Tuesday.

Tom Gregory, as he was familiarly known to his friends, was the son of the late William and Mary Jeter Gregory who came to this country from South Carolina and settled a few miles south of Mooreville where they reared a large family who honored their memory by becoming citizens of highest type.

As a boy he received his education in the common schools of the neighborhood and when he had grown to manhood he entered the business world in the mercantile business and was successful from the first.Twenty years ago he moved to Itawamba County and in a short time was elected sheriff of the County in which position he was very capable and popular. The law does not permit the sheriff to succeed himself but when he was again eligible his friend insisted that he again serve them as sheriff but declining all solicatations he came to Tupelo and entered the mercantile business with his brother W.A. Gregory. Later the firm was changed to Greene, Gregory and Roberts.

Thirty years ago he was married to Miss Berta Ballard.As a husband and father he was at all times a considerate and affectionate and his greatest pleasure was in his home circle.He received from every member of his family their love and Attention and in the closing hours of his life they were present to minister to him in every way.

The funeral services were conducted from the residence Wednesday afternoon, Conducted by Rev. Holcomb Pastor of the Baptist Church of which Mr. Gregory was a member. J. A. Rodgers a life long friend paid high tribute to his memory. Masonic services were held at the grave by Tupelo lodge by request of Fulton lodge of which Mr. Gregory was a member. At the request of Worshipful Master Titus Moore , The services were conducted by former Master Webster Graham who also delivered the eulogy.

Many friends were present at the residence and the grave where many beautiful flowers were brought to be laid on his last resting place.

Besides his wife , Mr. Gregory leaves two daughters, Mrs. H. V. Senter of Artesia, Miss Louise and two sons Douglas and Albert. One brother Mr. W. A. Gregory and several sisters. Mrs. John Caldwell of Shannon, Mrs. Walter Trapp of Nettleton and Miss Mollie Gregory of Mooreville.