Jim Gresley

"Jungle Jim" Gresley was one of the true heroes that took to the Oswego Speedway every week when our family first got the supermodified fever and was a man that we loved to watch week after week at the fast 5/8's.
Rest In Peace Jim, and Thanks for the memories.
  . . . written by Mike "Pinner" Johnson

James William Gresley Ceresco James William Gresley, "Jim", "Jungle Jim", age 73, of Ceresco passed away April 7, 2010 after a lengthy illness surrounded by his family and friends. He was born June 21, 1936 in Battle Creek to William "Cannon Ball" and Laura (Durdle) Gresley. Jim was a lifelong resident of Ceresco. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Patricia "Pat" (Wilk) Gresley; children, Scott Gresley (Kari Ells) of Ceresco, Pam Gresley of Ceresco, Shawn Gresley-Pietz (Chuck Pietz) of Saginaw, and Bill (Liz) Gresley of Marshall.

Jim was an avid NASCAR fan, was a race car driver for years, and drove for many different owners. Jim took Dowkers # 7 Super Modified to Alabama in 1964 and won the "Worlds Little 500", he finished runner up in the 1965 in the "Oswego Classic". He was seriously injured in Pocono Pennsylvania in 1969, and his return to racing after that was slow. Jim was a construction laborer for Local 355 for over 40 years, he retired in 2001. Jim loved gardening, cutting wood with all of his boys, going to bingo with Pat, and gambling with everyone. He was an avid watcher of the television and loved spending time with whoever would listen. However, everyone knew Jim's favorite pastime was spending time with all of his grandchildren. When they would pull in the driveway, Grandpa would be looking out the window, waiting for them to get there. He will be deeply missed by them all.
  . . . Published in the Battle Creek Enquirer on April 10, 2010

• Tribute page at oswegospeedwayoldtimers.com
• please links, stories or images so we can all remember Jim Gresley.

• 13 all-time Oswego top 5's
• 62nd in all-time Oswego points
• 2nd in the 1965 Classic
• Best Oswego points finish, 6th in 1963