James E. Grey, 77, of Sarver died Sunday after a long battle with heart disease.

Born May 22, 1934, in McKees Rocks, he was the son of the late Edward and Theresa Tomsey Grey.

For 30 years, he was the best friend and loving husband of Cheryl McLafferty Grey.

He is survived by three daughters, Leslie Grey, Cynthia Cronin and Jamie Gwyn, all of Pennsylvania, and four grandchildren.

His stepson, Ben W. Hood, preceded him in death.

A veteran of the U.S. Army, James was a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division.

He retired from Braun Baking Co. with 25 years of service.

Following his retirement, he could always be found working on home remodeling projects or spending time cooking and baking.

Although Ukrainian and Slovakian by birth, he came to love everything Irish. He traveled to Ireland several times with his wife. When he started taking Irish dance lessons, he discovered he was a great dancer. He learned to dance traditional Irish set and Ceili dances, and he joined the Pittsburgh Ceili Club. He could be found most any Tuesday night at the Ceili at Mullaney's Harp and Fiddle in Pittsburgh. However, Irish dancing took second place when the Steelers were playing. He was a loyal fan his entire life.

Even though he suffered his own great loss when his stepson died, he comforted and supported his wife through her grief and enabled her to come to terms with it. He also put his own needs second when he encouraged his wife to start a new career in nursing.

His dogs, Maisie and Rosie, were his best friends and companions, especially when health problems kept him at home.

Jim will be missed by all who knew him.

<B>GREY</B> — There will be no visitation for James E. Grey, who died Sunday, March 11, 2012. An Irish wake will be held later.Arrangements are entrusted to the care of <B>Martin Funeral Home</B>, Butler.Information also is available at www.martinfh.net.