James Andrew “Jim” Gregg, of Bend, passed away peacefully on June 10. He was 93.

Jim was born Nov. 19, 1925, in Juntura to Fred and Nettie (Cruz) Gregg. At the age of 7, he moved with his family to Drewsey. He began working at an early age as a sheepherder on ranches in Harney County. By the age of 16, he worked as a truck driver.

In 1944, Jim joined the U.S. Army, and served as a combat infantryman in the 63rd Infantry, 253rd Battalion, Co. I, 45th Division in Europe during World War II, where he fought in the Central European and Rhineland campaigns. He was awarded two Bronze Stars for bravery under fire.

After the war, Jim returned home to Burns, and married the love of his life, Iona Murrel Kimball, on Aug. 15, 1947. This union would bring three children.

In 1965, the family moved to Bend, where Jim worked for Brooks Scanlon as a millwright and truck driver. He was always mechanically inclined, and was hired as a rock crusher foreman for Deschutes Ready Mix. Jim and Iona purchased a farm in Alfalfa in 1971, in which they farmed until retiring in 1993.

Jim enjoyed riding motorcycles across the country, horseback riding, boating, fishing, and hunting. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and friends on the farm.

Jim is survived by his wife of nearly 72 years, Iona Gregg; two sons, James (Kleta) Gregg and Monty (Betty) Gregg; and daughter, Mona (Randy) Drake. Other survivors include seven grandchildren, Andrew Gregg, Amy Gregg, Jeremy Gregg, Monty R. Gregg, Deanna Lambert, Desin Adams, and Trinity Anderson; 10 great-grandchildren, Jasper and Gavin Whitley, Jacob and Kourtney Gregg, Megan and McKenna Lambert, Paige and Piper Gregg, and Shelby and Rayna Anderson; and five great-great grandchildren, Lincoln, Conor, and Colby Adams, Reagan and Lyla Whitley.

He was preceded in death by both of his parents; eight siblings; granddaughter, Martha Bernice Gregg; and great-grandson, Cory Wade Lambert.

The legacy he leaves is hard work, family values, music, and singing.

A memorial with military honors was held Friday, June 14, at Autumn Funerals in Bend. The family is planning a Celebration of Life to be held at a later date in Drewsey.

Autumn Funerals of Bend is honored to serve the family. Visit the online register book to send condolences and share treasured memories at autumnfunerals.com.