“Heart problems” had happened to the comedian, who called himself “the funniest man in America.”

His family said that he “brought laughter and joy to countless lives” before they confirmed his death on May 9.

Today, with heavy hearts, we make the sad announcement that the Funniest Man in America, comedian James Gregory, has died,” they said.

“He made many people laugh and smile, and he left an indelible mark on the comedy world and on the people who loved him.”

“James’ three nieces who referred to him as ‘Uncle Bubba,’ Martha Anne, Mary Jane, and Candie, along with their families, were instrumental in caring for him through his last days and weeks.”

James came into the world in 1946 in the kitchen of his parents’ house in the Georgia town of Lithonia. He started working at age 11 in the family grocery store.

After that, he worked as a postman and joined the US Marines when he was 18.  But a few weeks later, he was medically released.

After 18 years in sales, he got his start in comedy when he signed up for a stand-up show in Atlanta, Georgia, when he was 36 years old.

He quickly rose through the ranks and became one of the most popular comedians in the southeast of the United States.

During his 41-year career, he performed all over the world for US troops on aircraft carriers and in military hospitals.

It will be out in November. It’s called A Bushel of Beans and a Peck of Tomatoes:

The Life and Times of “The Funniest Man in America.”