Hello, I'm starting this gofundme to help with financial assistance for my uncle's funeral. For those who didn't know Jim, I can't imagine having had a better uncle. I often pestered him to read to me, to the point I had Dr. Seuss's Green Eggs and Ham memorized and could recite it back to him. He taught me chess in elementary school, though I never took off with it, playing chess, checkers and Chinese checkers replaced the frequent reading. He'd play with me and be silly when the other adults were too serious. He indulged me greatly, if I wanted to go outside, he'd take me. If I wanted a snack, he'd make it; no bake cookies and belly buttons were the best. I don't remember a time he told me no or not right now. He could bake a great pumpkin pie, drank tea, didn't like chocolate. He was very very smart. My mother (a year younger than Jim) hated being in a class with the same teacher he'd had because she often heard "oh, you're Jim's sister, you'll do great in this class" when really no, not so much. He wanted to go to college for archeology but his dad didn't want him to go to a school several states away. After grandpa passed, Jim got help with his social anxiety, took classes and went into working with computers. His life of basically being a shut in was over and it was very moving and exciting to watch him find more in life.

His death was unexpected, he left no will and no financial planning. Fortunately, our family has a plot paid for at Glen Rest Memorial Estate and I have found two funeral homes willing to take monthly payments. Cemetery charges are going to be 2152.50. The funeral home down payment range is 750 to 1500, remaining balance for the funeral home is 2500-4900. I'm currently looking at two funeral homes because my family has used one of them multiple times, the other is low cost, both are recommended by the cemetery. These costs are for immediate burial, no viewing or memorial at the funeral home and basic grave side care and no grave marker, I will take care of that at a later date.

Any unused funds will be refunded.

No donation is too small, even if the only assistance you're able to provide is to say a prayer for me, it is greatly helpful. Also, PLEASE share this fundraiser as much as comfortable with doing.

If unable to provide financial help, I am also in need of other aid. With my uncle's passing I am now the last of the Gray branch still living. I have never navigated a death and the things that come after. Any advice or guidance on what I may expect moving forward is helpful. Help with moving items and cleaning as well as questions coming from my mother's estate and other documents I have found among my grandmother's papers.