Jim Gray Retires After 40 Years

This is a milestone year for Jim Gray, as he celebrates 40 years of service at the USF Libraries and retires on August 6th. Jim came to the USF Libraries from Texas Tech University. He started as the circulation librarian, but it did not take long before his interest in automation coupled with the introduction of automated library operating systems resulted in expanding his responsibilities. Jim, along with very few others in the Libraries, are probably the few who remember NOTIS (Northwestern On-line Total Integrated System), the first significant library management system, or 3 x 5 library catalog, or even multiple NCR forms with their multiple colored sheets for interlibrary loan requests.

Jim holds an MBA, which quickly moved him into different responsibilities sorely needed by the Libraries. It was a time when libraries were expanding their role in the academy, and required fiscal processes not unlike that of a college. There have been several USF Libraries deans that have relied on Jim to, as they would say, “Keep us out of trouble” and fiscally responsible—and while he has the reputation in the Library for always saying “no,” what good CFO does not? We know Jim to be flexible, with an attention to detail, and always creative in his response to the needs of the faculty and staff of the USF Libraries. He gave every issue and request the thought and consideration it needed and deserved. His focus on what was best for the organization gained him the respect of his colleagues and, therefore, their respect for the Libraries’ fiscal integrity.

A few years ago, a great compliment was paid to Jim by the University’s executive leadership. At the conclusion of the Libraries’ annual in-unit review, the then current USF Chief Financial Officer said that the process of in-unit college reviews would be much more pleasant if every unit on campus had Jim overseeing their finances. Over the years, our administration has learned to seek and to rely on his good counsel. It will be an interesting transition this fall when Jim leaves, but fortunately he is not going far, and we know where he lives.

Jim shared he isn’t quite sure what he’ll be doing in retirement, but hopes to get in some golf and find somewhere to volunteer. He shared: “What I’ll miss most is being with my friends here at the Library and USF. I want to thank everyone that I have worked with over the past 40 years. I have a lot of memories, especially the ones with everyone that played in the Library’s Faculty/Staff softball tournaments. I’m proud to know I played a part in this Library that has shown everyone that we are more than keepers of information and such, and we can play ball too.”

Thank you Jim for your dedication and service to the USF Libraries and USF. Congratulations on your retirement! We will miss you.