In Memory Of
Jimmy A. Gross
1936
2015
Jimmy A. Gross
October 3, 1936 — April 30, 2015
Friends and Family of Jim Gross will "Gather at The Barn", Gross Wrecker Service, 912 E. 7th , to celebrate his life on Saturday, May 9 from 1:00~3:00 pm. Jim passed away at his home on Thursday, April 30, 2015. He never lost the twinkle in his eye, the teasing mannerisms and the desire to help out those down on their luck right up until his death.
Jim was born on Fourteenth Street in Junction City, Kansas on October 3, 1936 to George A. and Ella (Shaw) Gross. He was a loving and caring son and brother to his family. After the drowning death of his younger brother Georgie, Jim served in the United States Air Force from 1954-1957. Upon returning home from Japan, he married his wife of 57 years, Pearl E. Corbett of Junction City. Their daughter Debbie was born the following year.
Jim served on the Junction City Fire Department and the Junction City Police Department from 1958-1964. In 1964 he joined the Geary County Sheriff's Department and was named the Undersheriff one year later. At that time he moved his family into the Geary County jail where they would reside for the next eleven years. In 1971 Jim was elected Sheriff of Geary County and was re-elected every term until he chose to retire in 1984. Jim also served his community as Chief of Police for a short period of time while still serving as Sheriff in an attempt to model potential consolidation of those services in the community. During his tenure as Sheriff he was instrumental in instituting the Neighborhood Watch program in the county, the Geary County Rural Fire Department, the Search and Rescue team, establishing patrol at Milford Lake and numerous other initiatives.
Upon leaving law enforcement, Jim continued to serve his community as owner and operator of Gross Wrecker Service from 1984 until last week. In his lifetime he has served on numerous civic organizations at both the local and state level. He was a member of the Board of Directors for the Kansas Sheriff's Association throughout his tenure as Sheriff and the Kansas Peace Officers Association.
Jim's interests over the years were wide and varied. He enjoyed spending time at the cabin in Council Grove, scuba diving in Minnesota, driving old GMC trucks through the countryside, wheeling and dealing on antique cars; especially Chevy's of the 50's, and enjoying good times and hearty meals with his many friends. In his later years, Jim loved visiting and teasing his friends telling stories of days past, bargaining a good deal, iced coffee, a good prime-rib, and most of all his girls; Pearl, Deb, Shelbi, Tava and dog Priscilla.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents and brother. Missing him are his wife Pearl, daughter Debbie and husband Gus Gustafson, granddaughter Shelbi Gustafson and great-granddaughter Tava; all of Junction City. His small family was very close and he cared passionately for them. He called daily to check on his girls to see if they were okay and if there was anything he could do to help.
Most of Jim's servitude to the community went unnoticed. He was a strong advocate for anyone down on their luck in life and was known for giving freely of his resources. He well earned his spot in Heaven and we look forward to the day we are all reunited.
Memorial contributions have been designated to Friends of Animals, P.O. Box 580, Junction City, KS 66441
Jim was born on Fourteenth Street in Junction City, Kansas on October 3, 1936 to George A. and Ella (Shaw) Gross. He was a loving and caring son and brother to his family. After the drowning death of his younger brother Georgie, Jim served in the United States Air Force from 1954-1957. Upon returning home from Japan, he married his wife of 57 years, Pearl E. Corbett of Junction City. Their daughter Debbie was born the following year.
Jim served on the Junction City Fire Department and the Junction City Police Department from 1958-1964. In 1964 he joined the Geary County Sheriff's Department and was named the Undersheriff one year later. At that time he moved his family into the Geary County jail where they would reside for the next eleven years. In 1971 Jim was elected Sheriff of Geary County and was re-elected every term until he chose to retire in 1984. Jim also served his community as Chief of Police for a short period of time while still serving as Sheriff in an attempt to model potential consolidation of those services in the community. During his tenure as Sheriff he was instrumental in instituting the Neighborhood Watch program in the county, the Geary County Rural Fire Department, the Search and Rescue team, establishing patrol at Milford Lake and numerous other initiatives.
Upon leaving law enforcement, Jim continued to serve his community as owner and operator of Gross Wrecker Service from 1984 until last week. In his lifetime he has served on numerous civic organizations at both the local and state level. He was a member of the Board of Directors for the Kansas Sheriff's Association throughout his tenure as Sheriff and the Kansas Peace Officers Association.
Jim's interests over the years were wide and varied. He enjoyed spending time at the cabin in Council Grove, scuba diving in Minnesota, driving old GMC trucks through the countryside, wheeling and dealing on antique cars; especially Chevy's of the 50's, and enjoying good times and hearty meals with his many friends. In his later years, Jim loved visiting and teasing his friends telling stories of days past, bargaining a good deal, iced coffee, a good prime-rib, and most of all his girls; Pearl, Deb, Shelbi, Tava and dog Priscilla.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents and brother. Missing him are his wife Pearl, daughter Debbie and husband Gus Gustafson, granddaughter Shelbi Gustafson and great-granddaughter Tava; all of Junction City. His small family was very close and he cared passionately for them. He called daily to check on his girls to see if they were okay and if there was anything he could do to help.
Most of Jim's servitude to the community went unnoticed. He was a strong advocate for anyone down on their luck in life and was known for giving freely of his resources. He well earned his spot in Heaven and we look forward to the day we are all reunited.
Memorial contributions have been designated to Friends of Animals, P.O. Box 580, Junction City, KS 66441
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Jimmy A. Gross, please visit our flower store.
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