John Duane Gray "JD"

John Duane Gray passed away on June 19, 2026, following a lengthy battle with dementia. John was born on September 18th, 1934, in Denver, Colorado to George and Helen Gray. John had one brother, Daniel Lee Gray (deceased 1970). John grew up in Denver and graduated from Denver West High School in 1952. John joined the Marines and served from 1952 to 1955, which included a tour in Korea at the end of the Korean War.

After military service, John married his first wife, Connie Wilson (deceased) and in 1957 they had his only child, a daughter, Kalole Lani Gray (deceased 2024). In 1969 John married the love of his life, Mary Lewis. They were married 48-years until Mary’s passing in 2016. John is survived by his twin nephews Gene and George Gray, to whom he was a father figure. He inspired them to become career police officers like himself. He is also survived by many great and great-great nieces and nephews.

After the Marines, John began his work life as an over the road truck driver for Gates Rubber Company. In 1961, he joined the Denver Police Department where he served with dedication and distinction until his retirement in 1999. John was notorious in the Denver community for his tireless pursuit of drug dealers and drug users. He was a pioneer in detecting and apprehending those who produced LSD in the mid 1960’s.

John was well known locally and nationally as an expert in script fraud investigation and taught in academies across the country. John impacted the careers of many officers, both inside and outside the Denver Police Department, through his work ethic, teaching, and mentoring. He is well revered in the history of the Denver Police Department.

John was known for taking great care of himself. He worked out religiously throughout his life and was very athletic. He was a pillar of good health. John competed in flag football, fast-pitch softball, basketball, boxing, horseback riding and the World Police Olympics. John ran the Denver Police Boxing program for many years and boxed into his fifties. He was described by many as a physical specimen.

John enjoyed life immensely with Mary. They did many things together. This included running a farm in Strasburg, both, while working full-time. John and Mary especially enjoyed traveling with their camper trailer, visiting Mary’s relatives in Louisiana and Alabama; and being camp hosts annually for many years in Texas.

John was loved, respected and idolized by those who knew him. He will be deeply missed and long remembered. He was one of the best.

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, MEMORIAL DONATIONS SUGGESTED TO:

The Denver Police Museum

https://denverpolicemuseum.org/donate/