Soul Ranger
It is with love and sadness that we remember and honor a brave Ranger and friend to many, Jim Doyle Gray. Jim passed away on July 24th, 2024, just a month beyond his 74th birthday. He lived in California most of his life and is survived by his daughter, Elise Raymer; his three sons: Ryan Gray, Kevin Gray, and Micah Gray, and five grandchildren.
Shortly after arriving in Vietnam in 1969, Jim volunteered to serve with the November Rangers, 75th Infantry, and Long Range Recon Patrol (LRRPS). Gathering intelligence deep in enemy territory, Jim served as Bravo Team leader until he was severely wounded during a firefight with the NVA. Heavily outnumbered and unable to stand on his feet due to his injuries, Jim valiantly fought off the enemy forces from a sitting position, protecting his teammates from total annihilation until reinforcements arrived. It was nothing short of a miracle that he survived the battle. But survive he did, because God had other plans for him, giving him a future that included the most important mission of his life – to raise a family. And to his fellow Rangers who served with him, “Jimmy D” was more than a teammate that had our backs. He was a true friend. He will be missed by all.
For more details on the mission that critically wounded Jim, see the blog post, “Celebrating One who Made it Home” and the book, The Frog Hunter: A Story About the Vietnam War, an Inkblot Test and a Girl (Amazon).
One of these days I’m gonna be somebody
Make it to the stars
Drive the cool cars
One of these days my life will count
I’ll make my mark
Come out of the dark
One of these days I’ll make ‘em pay
Figure it out
Use my clout
One of these days I’ll go to the grave
It’ll just be me
And a final plea
One of these days I’ll stand before God
Give my report
Come up short
One of these days I’ll kneel before Christ
See his face
Taste his grace
One of these days I’ll know it’s true
Bust outa my shell
Be free from Hell
One of these days I’ll laugh and play
In heaven abound
No sin around
One of these days I’ll cry and laugh
How a fool as I
Should never die
One of these days I’ll be somebody
Make it to the stars
Without the cool cars
The Frog Hunter: A Story About the Vietnam War, An Inkblot Test and a Girl is featured in Today’s American Catholic magazine. The featured article and interview was written by Jane M. Bailey.
The book is available on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09K4KG6ZT
Click the link below to access the article in Today’s American Catholic
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