Dr. Gray wrote "Transaction Processing"[1] that has proven indispensable in my career and a generally great book. I didn't know the man, but he influenced me deeply from afar. RIP.
I feel bad for asking, but I hope you won't mind - is this actually closure of any sort other than legal? This legal declaration doesn't mean you have any more or less chance of seeing your friend again than you had a week ago, or a month ago. Belated condolences to you and others who knew Jim.
Dr. Gray was someone who worked at the core, conceptual level of computer science and brought it to application-level form. He gave a speech at a conference I attended, and I recall him so naturally gifted and the ease with which he understood technology. He was just on a higher plane than most everyone else.
RIP, Dr. Gray. And best wishes to his family and friends for peace and closure.
[1]: http://www.amazon.com/Transaction-Processing-Concepts-Techni...