Jack Matthew Gray

Jack Matthew Gray, age 30, died suddenly on Friday, August 7, 2026.

Jack was born on October 30, 1995, in St. Louis Park, the oldest child of Matthew Alan and Debora Jean (Williams) Gray. He was baptized as an infant at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Savage, later receiving his First Holy Communion and Confirmation at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Jordan. Jack grew up in Jordan and graduated from Jordan High School with the Class of 2014. From childhood through his teenage years, Jack was active, curious, and full of energy. He played football, basketball, and competed in track and field; he sang in the choir and was captain of the Robotics team. He had a quick wit and a knack for harmless mischief—often alongside his best friend, Tony. His lifelong love of Star Wars began after a childhood trip to the Children’s Museum, and from that moment on, he was hooked.

Jack was a true big brother from the start. He opened his sisters’ gifts “to help,” knew every type of construction truck, and took things apart just to understand how they worked—sometimes without getting them put back together. As he grew older, that same protective instinct deepened. He called his mom daily, texted his sisters regularly, and watched over them with a quiet, steadfast loyalty. He wasn’t always comfortable with words, but he showed his love through action—fixing engines, solving problems, and offering the kind of hugs that made everything feel safe.

Jack had a natural gift for mechanics. He was a gearhead through and through—tinkering at his bedroom workbench, repairing lawn mowers, cars, and snowmobiles, and telling his mom, “Don’t let Dad touch it,” before diving into whatever project needed attention. He loved hunting, trap shooting, airsoft, Minnesota sports, movies (especially Star Wars), jet skiing, snowmobiling and the band Foo Fighters. On many golf outings with his dad, there was a friendly competition of who could drive the ball farthest. Jack always won with his 300 plus yard drives. His grandmother affectionately called him her “Little Jack,” despite his 6’4” frame.

During his senior year of high school, Jack enlisted in the United States Air Force Reserves. He was proud of his service and his time stationed in Qatar, and he carried that pride with him even after a medical diagnosis led to his honorable discharge. Jack graduated from Lake Area Technical College in Watertown, South Dakota, studying Aviation Maintenance Technology in 2018. He worked for Delta Air Lines until the pandemic, then transitioned to Target in Asset Management as a security guard. Motivated by that experience, he was accepted into the police program at Alexandria Technical & Community College. When the pandemic shifted his plans, he returned to what he knew best—engines and mechanics—working for Federal Ammunition as a lead mechanic.

In June of 2023, Jack met the love of his life, Megann Coles. Their connection was immediate. Not long after they began dating, Jack proposed—spontaneous, heartfelt, and certain. The next day, he told Megann they should keep it a secret for a while, but he already knew she was the one. Jack “officially” proposed in June of 2024 and they were united in marriage on October 12, 2025 at Grand View Lodge in Nisswa. In January of 2026, Jack and Megann learned they were expecting a baby boy. Jack embraced his role as a future father with the same devotion he had shown his sisters all those years. He read to his son every night—“I want him to know my voice”—and approached fatherhood with excitement, tenderness, and pride. He was ready to be a protector, a teacher, and a loving dad.

Jack was a man of deep faith. His faith provided a steady foundation throughout his life and was reflected in the kindness, compassion, and service he showed to others. Jack had a big heart and a loyal spirit. He was an attentive husband, a proud and protective brother, a devoted son and grandson, and a man who showed his love through small, thoughtful acts. His family was tight‑knit, and he was at the center of it—brave, caring, and always willing to help anyone in need.

Jack is survived by his loving wife, Megann Gray; their son, Baby Noah Gray, due in October; parents, Matthew and Debora (Williams) Gray; sisters: Katie (Alec) Sames and Josie Gray (fiancé, Dan Dvorak); grandparents: Jack and Mary Williams, and Mark and Janet Gray; Uncles and Aunts, Ed (David) Williams, Kristen (Tim) Cibulka, Mark (Liz) Williams and Jimmy (Cam) Williams, David (Phoebe) Gray and Anne (Shane) Paulson; Cousins, Sam (Kayla) Cibulka, Jaimee Cibulka and Ryan Cibulka, Caden (Kortney) Williams and Casey Williams, Liam Koehler and Owen Koehler, Isabelle (Tyler) Gray and Caroline Gray, Ben (Brooke) Paulson and Andy Paulson; Great Uncle, Dennis Cadari; Partner in crime/best friend, Tony (Molly) Eichten; father‑in‑law, Patrick Coles; mother‑in‑law, Julie Story; sister‑in‑law, Madison (James) Koch; nephew, Henry Koch; his two cats, Moose and Oliver; and many other relatives, and friends.

Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, August 21, 2026, at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church (5005 Northwest Blvd, Plymouth, MN 55442). Visitation will begin at 11:00 AM and continue until the time of service at the church. Burial will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the family. Gifts will be used to support Jack’s wife, Megann, and their son, Noah, as they move forward with the love and strength Jack carried so deeply for them.