His father John Gregory died in 1651 when James was thirteen and at this stage James's education was taken over by his brother David who was about 23 at the time. James was given Euclid 's Elements to study and he found this quite an easy task.
Kanyang ama John Gregory namatay sa 1651 kapag James ay labintatlo at sa hakbang na ito James's edukasyon ay kinuha sa pamamagitan ng kanyang mga kapatid na David ay tungkol sa 23 sa oras. James was given Euclid 's Sangkap sa pag-aaral at siya ay natagpuan na ito lubos ang isang madaling gawain.