James "Jim" G. Gross - Obituary

ames G. Gross, “Jim”, 91, a native of North Dakota, passed away on April 24, 2023, in Montgomery County, Maryland. Born on April 1, 1932, to the late Lawrence M. and Esther C. Gross. Jim, a proud Bison, graduated from North Dakota State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Architectural Engineering. He was a registered professional engineer. Following college Jim worked at the Brick Institute of America followed by a long career at the National Institutes of Standards and Technology, (NIST). Jim received numerous awards, including The Silver Medal, awarded by the US Department of Commerce. He traveled the world for his work. He was widely known for his expertise and publications in the field of masonry design and construction along with building standards and codes. In addition to his full-time job, Jim found time to build and design/build many custom homes including five of his own from Deep Creek Lake, Maryland to South Bethany Beach, Delaware. Jim served on the South Bethany Town Counsel. Jim, who grew up during the depression era, lost his father at an early age, developed a self-reliant trait that served him well throughout his life. Most important to Jim were God, family and hard work. He loved to socialize with his family and friends. He enjoyed his family the most and shined at all gatherings, particularly when crabs were served. His grandchildren and great grandchildren brought him the greatest joy. He loved his animals, especially his dogs and horses. He was an avid sports fan which only added to his very special life. Jim’s motto was, “Do a job, big or small, do it well, or not at all”. Jim “Pa” is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Susanne, three children, Debbie (Cameron) Lee, Denise (Thomas) Taltavull and Jimmy Gross of Gaithersburg, Maryland. A brother Eugene Gross of Dayton, Ohio; nine grandchildren, Kathleen, Michael, Caroline, Kristina, Tommy, Stephen, Emily, Joseph and Rachael; along with nine great grandchildren, Luke, Mason, Kace, Reagan, Colt, Kora, Mason, Brendan, and Caroline; many nieces and nephews, other family members and numerous friends who will miss him dearly. Friends may call at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 9000 Warfield Road, Gaithersburg, MD on Tuesday May 9 at 11:00 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. Interment will follow at All Souls Cemetery, 11401 Brink Road, Germantown, Maryland.