James “Jim” P. Gross, 82, passed away on Wednesday, May 30, 2018, at the Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest Baptist Health in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, after a very short battle with Leukemia.

Jim was born April 28, 1936, in Lima, Ohio, to Herman and Pearl (Dolinsky) Gross, who preceded him in death. 

On June 15, 2000, he married Kathleen R. Gross, who survives him in Tryon, North Carolina.

Jim was a 1954 graduate of Lima Central High School, and was also a 1958 graduate and perpetual football fan of The Ohio State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in history.

Jim was a self-employed third generation business owner of Empire Linen Service commercial laundry in Lima for almost 20 years. He then began a consulting career in the international laundry industry, which he enjoyed until his passing.

He was a member of Temple Beth Israel-Shaare-Zedek. He had served locally in the JCs, was a board member for the Lima YMCA, and ran for Allen County commissioner in 1970.

He served in the U.S. Air Force Reserves.

In addition to his wife, Jim is survived by his three children, Dr. Jeffrey D. Gross (Leila Hale) of Las Vegas, Michael J. (Lisa) Gross of Frederick, Maryland, and Steven B. (Elisa) Gross of Gilbert, Arizona; seven grandchildren, Jordan, Brandon, Adam, Haley, Jennifer, Ian and Elaina; sister-in-law, Grecia Gross of New York City; and Lima native cousins, Jeanine (Gross) Framer and Leon Gross.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Ronald Gross. During his Lima adulthood, he was married to Karen (Sontag) Hasenfus, Sun Lakes, Arizona.

There will be a graveside service held in Shaare-Zedek Cemetery on Sunday, June 3, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. Officiating the service will be Rabbi Lennu Sarko.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.