James Gregory Obituary

It is with great sadness, we announce the passing of Elder James Howard Gregory, 82, of Portland, TN or James Clodhopper, as he would often jokingly reference himself. James passed away peacefully at home on July 2, 2025. James was born April 10, 1943, to the late Howard Gregory and Bertha (Denney) Gregory. He was a loving spouse to his wife of 63 years, Helen Marie Gammon Gregory. They traveled many miles together as he carried God's word. They were inseparable until the Lord called him home.
James was a dedicated brother, husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather and most importantly, a dedicated follower of Jesus Christ. Union Hill Missionary Baptist Church served as a special place for James as he was saved and joined the church 1961, called to preach 1970, ordained 1977, and met his beautiful wife, Helen and they began their life together Nov. 24, 1961. They have lived a life of love, dedication and have always put the Lord first. Whether he was preaching at churches, pastoring several churches over the years, telling the Word to strangers, or having tent revivals on their property, he was known by many, and each soul was important to him. Children often acknowledged him as "Bubble Gum Man". He was a jokester and loved to make people smile and laugh. He maintained his humor throughout most of his illness. He will be remembered for his infections smile, laughter, and deep love for his family and church. He touched countless lives with his kindness, generosity and unwavering faith. Therefore, his legacy of faith, compassion, and service will continue to inspire us. James will be Forever in our Hearts, and just Beyond the Clouds.
James is survived by his wife, Helen Gammon Gregory; two sons: Barlow (Shelia) Gregory and Mark (Lisa) Gregory; brother: Wallace (Frances) Gregory; sister: Faye (Jimmy) Caldwell; sister-in-law: Pauline Gregory; six grandchildren: Chance (Christina) Gregory, Ryan Gregory, Heather (Matt) Gross, Jessalyn(Aaron) Maddux, Caitlin Gregory, and Logan Hodges; Great Grandchildren: Luke, Phoenix, Jacob, Maddie, Kylan and Tucker; and many nephews and nieces. James is preceded in death by his parents, Bertha Denney Gregory and Howard Gregory; brothers: Stephen Gregory, Buford Gregory, Roy Gregory, Bill Gregory; and sister: Mildred Zuerlien.
Visitation will be Monday, July 7 from 2-7 pm, at Sellars Family Heritage Funeral Home, 100 East Albert Gallatin Ave. Gallatin, TN. and again on Tuesday, July 8 from 9 am until the 11 am Funeral Service at Union Hill Missionary Baptist Church, 141 Old Dobbins Pike, Gallatin, TN with Bro. Barry Brawner, David Andrews, and Scott Hauskins officiating. Following the service, interment will be in Crestview Memorial Gardens, Gallatin, TN with Chance Gregory, Ryan Gregory, Matt Gross, Aaron Maddux, Barlow Gregory and Mark Gregory serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers: Marty Dodson, Chris Gregory, Mike Gregory, Terry Gregory, and Jeff Gregory. In lieu of flowers, James requested that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Sellars Family Heritage at Gallatin, 100 E. Albert Gallatin Avenue, Gallatin, TN 37066. 615-452-7115.
Obituary line 615-452-5900. E-mail: [email protected]. Website: familyheritagefh.com