Comedian James Gregory, known as “the Funniest Man in America,” passed away on May 9, due to heart problems.
His family announced his death with sadness,
highlighting his legacy of bringing laughter to countless lives. James, born in 1946 in Lithonia, Georgia,
Throughout his 41-year career, he entertained US troops worldwide. His nieces, Martha Anne, Mary Jane,
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Only days after marking his 78th birthday and just before another one of his heralded comedic appearances, Georgia-born humorist James Gregory – often billed as the “Funniest Man in America” – died Thursday from cardiac complications.
Gregory’s death was reported by AL.com, an Alabama news service that said Gregory died before a May 10, 2024, scheduled performance in Hoover, Alabama. Gregory was also set to appear in Ringgold, Georgia, on May 25, 2024.
Gregory was born in a rural area about 25 miles east of Atlanta, according to his website. By age 12, he was working in a small country grocery store and by the time he was 15, he was working almost a full 40-hour week job as well as going to school. As an adult, he worked for the U.S. Postal Service, the U.S. Department of Defense, and spent almost 10 years as a salesman before moving into standup comedy.
Gregory made his on-stage debut at the legendary Sandy Springs comedy club, The Punchline, where comedic icons Jeff Foxworthy and dozens of others launched their careers.
Gregory remained touring well into his 70s, on the road about three days a week for 46 weeks a year. He continued to entertain sold-out crowds in theaters and comedy clubs and remained in demand for corporate events.
Gregory had been the featured entertainer for hundreds of corporations, including the Coca-Cola Company, Kimberly Clark Corporation, Hewlett Packard and Kroger.
Gregory appeared in concerts with Kenny Chesney, Randy Travis, Reba McEntire, The Judds, George Jones, Ricky Skaggs and others.