James A. "Jim" Gross; September 10, 1949 - April 1, 2021 

Our dear friend, colleague, classmate and inspiration, James A. “Jim” Gross, left his body, April 1, 2021 in Palm Springs, ending his struggle with stomach cancer.  Jim was so appreciative of the care and comfort he received from his Kaiser medical team and Family Hospice Care. Secure in the knowledge that he was well-loved and admired, his transition was peaceful and serene.  He asked that his love and blessings be passed to all who knew him. 

Jim was the son of Egbert  “Ep” and Harriett Gross.  Jim was a true son of Redlands. He was born there on September 10, 1949 and attended McKinley Elementary School, Cope Junior High School and graduated from Redlands High School in 1967.  In high school, Jim gained a lifetime of inspiration from his beloved drama teacher, Billie Daniels, who truly started his theatre career.  After high school Jim became a proud Trojan, attending the University of Southern California where he was awarded his bachelor's and master's degrees in theatre.

Professionally, Jim had a successful banking career working in IT. However, his entire life demonstrated a commitment to service. During the early days of the HIV epidemic, Jim volunteered with the San Francisco and Los Angeles Shanti Foundations. As the LA Shanti Foundation matured, Jim served as a board member and Chair.  He was the recipient of County of Los Angeles, City of West Hollywood and Charles Garfield awards for community service.  A hallmark of Jim's volunteer service in Palm Springs was serving as the Chair of Organized Neighborhoods of Palm Springs, a consortium of designated neighborhoods within the city. Jim served as Chair in 2013 and 2014. He was also a member of the City's Human Rights Commission from June 21, 2017 until December 19, 2019.

Jim was a Buddhist practitioner for 45 years. He participated in the Spirit Rock Meditation Center's Community Dharma Leaders program.  He was extremely proud of his time as a volunteer Dharma teacher at Ironwood State Prison. In his last days he received letters from his students telling him how he had truly changed their lives for the better. 

Jim is survived by his sister Kathy Cameron, his nieces and nephew, and his cousin Linda Gross Hart, as well as by his beloved dogs, Stan and Ollie.  

Per Jim’s wishes, there will be no “formal” ceremony.  A future remembrance gathering may be considered as circumstances permit.

For anyone wishing to acknowledge Jim through a memorial contribution, he suggested either of two organizations dear to his heart: 

Well in the Desert, https://www.wellinthedesert.org; or 

Dhamma Dena Meditation Center in Joshua Tree, https://www.dhammadena.org.