Jack W. Gray

Jack W. Gray, 99, a lifelong Battle Creek resident, passed away Saturday, June 14, 2025.

Jack was born March 6, 1926, in Battle Creek, Michigan to Howard A. and Helen M. (Casey) Gray and was raised by his beloved aunt, Grace. Jack was a 1944 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School. He honorably served with the 8thAir Force 1944-46, flew 22 combat missions as a Ball Turret Gunner on a B-17 in ETO. He earned the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal. Jack also played basketball and baseball for Andrews Field (Andrews AFB), Washington, DC. Jack worked at Allen Industrial Products in 1943 and after leaving the service he returned there, where he designed the first Tractor Cab for Clark Equipment Company. He worked at A.B. Stove Company 1947-50 as Assistant Chief Engineer; and then Professional Design 1951-57. In 1958, he formed Modern Design, an engineering design company that evolved into Employment Group, a temporary employment agency. He served as CEO of Employment Group, retiring in 1991.

Jack was previously married to Donna Williams. He married Donna B. Tadman on November 22, 1972, in Battle Creek. Surviving are his wife, Donna; son-in-law, David Simmons; former daughter-in-law, Suzy (Tadman) O’Donnell; grandchildren, Stephanie (Kent) Kehler, Shannon (Greg) Flesch, Sarah (Bill) Rex, Jeffrey (Francine) Madden, Christopher (Jen) Tadman, Nicholas (Allie) Tadman, Tyler Tadman; great grandchildren, Jarrod (Allie) Flesch, Mitchel (Jailee) Flesch, Alex, Eric and Courtney Kehler, Amariyonna (Kenneth) Martinez, Jack Madden, Aniyah Virgil, Benson Krupinski and four great-great grandchildren. Jack was preceded in death by his daughters, Kathy McDonald and Patricia Simmons; his parents; sister, Helen Whitmore; a stepson, Michael W. Tadman; and great grandson, Justin Madden.

Jack was a member and past president of the following organizations, B.C. Engineers Club, Administrative Management Society, B.C. Host Lions Club, Independent Office Services Institute and the MI Association of Temporary Services. He was a board member of the MI State Chamber of Commerce; a former interim Executive Director of the BC Chamber of Commerce; a former member of the NorthPointe Woods Advisory Board, and a member of the National Association of Temporary Services. Jack enjoyed his grandchildren and airplanes. He loved traveling. Jack will be remembered for his intuitive business mind.

Jack’s family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 26, 2025, at First Congregational Church, where funeral services will take place at 11:00 a.m. Committal and entombment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to First Congregational Church, NorthPointe Woods, or the Jack and Donna Gray Scholarship Fund. Personal messages for Jack’s family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.