We sadly announce the passing of our very loved son, brother, uncle, and friend Richard “Jesse” Gray, 35, following a heroic, lengthy battle with addiction. He was born 5/27/1987 in SLC to Dan and Becky Gray and passed away 5/17/2023 in Boise Idaho.

Jess grew up in the Foothill area of Salt Lake where many great teachers, coaches, friends, neighbors, and church members mentored him. He attended East High School (where he participated in Madrigals and Football) and Salt Lake Community College. He was an Eagle Scout and served an LDS mission to Rome, Italy and loved the language, the place, those he served with and those he served. He was fascinated by every kind of architecture, all of nature, music, movies and books. He grew up singing with his brothers and dad, enjoyed the piano and guitar and was a champion in supporting and teaching his profoundly disabled sister, Corrinne. He had a crazy fun sense of humor and loved every kind of person wherever he went.

Jesse enjoyed everything physical and had a very adventurous spirit. He loved water and snow skiing, camping, fishing, climbing, sky diving, scuba and physical labor. He lifted weights regularly and taught many others the “art.”

He has been an engaged member of the substance abuse recovery community for many years. A HUGE thank you from Jesse and his family for the amazing treatment centers, sober living homes, therapists and recovering friends who loved, taught and cared about him. Thank you IHC for supporting his journey. You all helped give us more time with him. We are beyond grateful.

He is survived by his brothers Dave Gray (Hanna Bytheway), DJ Gray (Melissa Erickson) sister Corrinne Gray, nieces and nephews Madeline, Robby, Cynthia Grace and Maryella Gray, Cam, Caiden, Chase and Cannon Garcia, Ethan and Jackson Clark. He is survived by many cousins, aunts and uncles who were his friends and supporters. Jess is preceded in death by grandparents Dave and Carol Gray, Joe and Barbara Horne, aunts Julie Mahoney, Jane Archuletta, Cynthia White, uncle Jim MacDonald, cousin Natalie Horne and niece Lily Erickson.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 17, 2023

Reception from 3-5:00 pm, Service followed by light refreshments 5:00-6:00 pm.

Memorial Mountain View Mortuary - 3115 Bengal Blvd in Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121.

Services

Celebration of Life

Saturday, Jun. 17, 2023 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Memorial Mountain View Mortuary and Cemetery
3115 East 7800 South
Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121

Services Handled By

Memorial Mountain View Mortuary & Cemetery
3115 East 7800 South
Cottonwood Heights, UT

Life Story Info

Post Date

May 30, 2023

Personal Info

Age

35
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Guestbook

I'm very sorry for your loss, I haven't gotten known him as much as I would've liked to sadly, But I really enjoyed the times I managed to hang out with him and he was a great guy be around. I will miss him.

Keaton Jones , Salt Lake City, UT, US Jun 17, 2023

Sadly I haven't gotten known him as much as I would've liked to, But I really enjoyed the times I managed to hang out with him and he was a great guy be around. I will miss him.

Keaton Jones , Salt Lake City, UT, US Jun 17, 2023

Please accept our prayers for comfort and peace for your family. We love you guys and send you both hugs and prayers!

Jeff & Emily Ford , Washington, UT, US Jun 15, 2023

Please accept our prayers for comfort and peace for your family. We love you guys and send you both hugs and prayers!

Jeff & Emily Ford , Washington, UT, US Jun 15, 2023

Words of sympathy feel inadequate in expressing grief and sorrow for the loss of a loved one so illustrious. Sending a heartfelt embrace and all my love during this tragic time.

Thank you for sharing your life with me Jesse

Love,

Benny

Benny T. , Provo, UT, US Jun 14, 2023

Words of sympathy feel inadequate in expressing grief and sorrow for the loss of a loved one so illustrious. Sending a heartfelt embrace and all my love during this tragic time.

Thank you for sharing your life with me Jesse

Love,

Benny

Benny T. , Provo, UT, US Jun 14, 2023

Words of sympathy feel inadequate in expressing grief and sorrow for the loss of a loved one so illustrious. Sending a heartfelt embrace and all my love during this tragic time.

Thank you for sharing your life with me Jesse

Love,

Benny

Benny T. , Provo, UT, US Jun 14, 2023

The world is a sadder place without the light of your Jesse. Always love for the Gray's from the Pedersen's. We love each of you.

Donna Dalton (Pedersen) Jun 07, 2023

The world is a sadder place without the light of your Jesse. Always love for the Gray's from the Pedersen's. We love each of you.

Donna Dalton (Pedersen) Jun 07, 2023

The world is a sadder place without the light of your Jesse. Always love for the Gray's from the Pedersen's. We love each of you.

Donna Dalton (Pedersen) Jun 07, 2023

Of course, like everyone else, I was deeply saddened to learn of Jesse's death. In the weeks since learning this sad news, I have fondly reflected upon my friend and his beautiful family. Jesse's lovely obituary is a reminder that we all had the glorious and sacred privilege to love Jesse and to support and encourage him for a time. I want to imagine that each of our relationships with Jesse helped sooth his soul during some morsel of time through his mortal and eternal journey. This is what I hold in my heart about your sweet boy and brother.

Donald Campbell , Salt Lake City, UT, US Jun 03, 2023

Jesse worked with us a few years back and we just loved him. We were so saddened to hear of his passing. Addiction is a beast and it takes the best of us way too soon. He was such a kind soul and his smile would light up the room.

We’re grateful to have had a chance to know him.

Jen Jun 02, 2023

Jesse worked with us a few years back and we just loved him. We were so saddened to hear of his passing. Addiction is a beast and it takes the best of us way too soon. He was such a kind soul and his smile would light up the room.

We’re grateful to have had a chance to know him.

Jen Jun 02, 2023

I'm at Jessie about five years ago and I remember when I first met them he welcomed me with open arms over the years we lost touch. He was doing his thing I was doing my thing, but every time we saw each other it was never a dull moment. I have a lot of love for that kid. He was a great friend. Gonna miss him..

Gavin , Orem , UT, US Jun 02, 2023

I'm at Jessie about five years ago and I remember when I first met them he welcomed me with open arms over the years we lost touch. He was doing his thing I was doing my thing, but every time we saw each other it was never a dull moment. I have a lot of love for that kid. He was a great friend. Gonna miss him..

Gavin , Orem , UT, US Jun 02, 2023

I'm at Jessie about five years ago and I remember when I first met them he welcomed me with open arms over the years we lost touch. He was doing his thing I was doing my thing, but every time we saw each other it was never a dull moment. I have a lot of love for that kid. He was a great friend. Gonna miss him..

Gavin , Orem , UT, US Jun 02, 2023

Sending heart felt prayers during what must be a very hard time. I’m so sorry for your loss Dan and Becky!

Keith Moon Jun 01, 2023

Sending heart felt prayers during what must be a very hard time. I’m so sorry for your loss Dan and Becky!

Keith Moon Jun 01, 2023

Becky, Dan and family,

I am so sad to hear about your wonderful Son Jesse. Such a great, talented wonderful young man with a smile that could light up a room. When I talked with you last month you were returning from a trip to Idaho to see Jesse. Your support is unwavering. You and Dan are such amazing parents and people. I pray that you are able to feel our Savior’s arms around you bringing you peace and comfort. I love your family so much. You know Julie is taking great care of Jesse. She loved him so much and spoke about him often. Praying for peace for you and your family.

Much love,

Teri Moore

Teri Moore , Salt Lake City, UT, US Jun 01, 2023

Becky, Dan and family,

I am so sad to hear about your wonderful Son Jesse. Such a great, talented wonderful young man with a smile that could light up a room. When I talked with you last month you were returning from a trip to Idaho to see Jesse. Your support is unwavering. You and Dan are such amazing parents and people. I pray that you are able to feel our Savior’s arms around you bringing you peace and comfort. I love your family so much. You know Julie is taking great care of Jesse. She loved him so much and spoke about him often. Praying for peace for you and your family.

Much love,

Teri Moore

Teri Moore , Salt Lake City, UT, US Jun 01, 2023

Becky, Dan and family,

I am so sad to hear about your wonderful Son Jesse. Such a great, talented wonderful young man with a smile that could light up a room. When I talked with you last month you were returning from a trip to Idaho to see Jesse. Your support is unwavering. You and Dan are such amazing parents and people. I pray that you are able to feel our Savior’s arms around you bringing you peace and comfort. I love your family so much. You know Julie is taking great care of Jesse. She loved him so much and spoke about him often. Praying for peace for you and your family.

Much love,

Teri Moore

Teri Moore , Salt Lake City, UT, US Jun 01, 2023

Becky, Dan and family,

I am so sad to hear about your wonderful Son Jesse. Such a great, talented wonderful young man with a smile that could light up a room. When I talked with you last month you were returning from a trip to Idaho to see Jesse. Your support is unwavering. You and Dan are such amazing parents and people. I pray that you are able to feel our Savior’s arms around you bringing you peace and comfort. I love your family so much. You know Julie is taking great care of Jesse. She loved him so much and spoke about him often. Praying for peace for you and your family.

Much love,

Teri Moore

Teri Moore , Salt Lake City, UT, US Jun 01, 2023

Becky, Dan and family,

I am so sad to hear about your wonderful Son Jesse. Such a great, talented wonderful young man. When I talked with you last month you were returning from a trip to Idaho to see Jesse. Your support is unwavering. You and Dan are such amazing parents and people. I pray that you are able to feel our Savior’s arms around you bringing your peace and comfort. I love your family so much. You know Julie is taking great care of Jesse. She loved him so much and spoke about him often. Praying for peace for you and your family.

Much love,

Teri Moore

Teri Moore , Salt Lake City, UT, US Jun 01, 2023

Dear Dan, Becky, and family, when Dave posted the news of Jess’ passing I couldn’t wrap my head around it. I think we are all still in that state. You all will remain dear to me forever. You gave me a reason to heal and live and return to love. I’m so sorry for this incredibly deep loss. I wanted to attend the memorial but we are moving from our home in Ivins and won’t be back in town till later in the summer. May grace and peace surround you all. I send my love, condolences, and kindest thoughts.

With love always,

Daniel Carter

Daniel Carter , Ivins, UT, US May 31, 2023

Dear Dan, Becky, and family, when Dave posted the news of Jess’ passing I couldn’t wrap my head around it. I think we are all still in that state. You all will remain dear to me forever. You gave me a reason to heal and live and return to love. I’m so sorry for this incredibly deep loss. I wanted to attend the memorial but we are moving from our home in Ivins and won’t be back in town till later in the summer. May grace and peace surround you all. I send my love, condolences, and kindest thoughts.

With love always,

Daniel Carter

Daniel Carter , Ivins, UT, US May 31, 2023

Dear Dan, Becky, and family, when Dave posted the news of Jess’ passing I couldn’t wrap my head around it. I think we are all still in that state. You all will remain dear to me forever. You gave me a reason to heal and live and return to love. I’m so sorry for this incredibly deep loss. I wanted to attend the memorial but we are moving from our home in Ivins and won’t be back in town till later in the summer. May grace and peace surround you all. I send my love, condolences, and kindest thoughts.

With love always,

Daniel Carter

Daniel Carter , Ivins, UT, US May 31, 2023

Timeline


  • 1960
  • Dec 30, 1962

    Was always happy to be included for Eagle Scout Award program to mission call. Always a wonderful and caring young man. Love your relationship with your family and particularly, Corrinne.

  • 2020
  • 2020