James William Ray

Today we celebrate and honor the life of James William Ray of McKinney, Texas. The final years of his time here with us were spent adapting to the ever changing and spontaneous symptoms of Parkinson’s and Lewy Body Dementia. On Saturday, April 13, 2019 at 8:31 AM, he gazed into the face of Jesus and was made whole again.

His father, Harry Ray Sr. and mother, Lucille Hicks Ray of Denton, TX, loved him into this world on July 28, 1947. There he grew up with his brothers, Harry Ray Jr. of Ruidoso, NM, and Bobby Ray of Plano, TX.

Over the years James was also known as Stymie, Jimmy, JRay, and his most favorite names, Dad and GG. Jimmy and his wife, Donna Robuck Ray of Tyler, TX met in October of 1975 and married 5 months later, March 28, 1976. This year they celebrated their 43rd anniversary. Together they have 3 children, Shelli Ray Stutzman with husband Ben Stutzman, Tara Ray Li with husband Jeff Li and James Ray with wife, Rachel Lankford Ray. Their children have blessed them with 8 grandchildren, Ethan Li (11), Harper Stutzman (11), Walker Stutzman (8), Athanasia Li (preceded her GG in heaven), Daxton Ray (6), Gunner Li (preceded his GG in heaven), Reese Ray (3) and Milo Ray (4 mos.).

Jimmy followed Christ in every aspect of his life. He trusted the Lord’s guidance to direct his footsteps and nothing was more important than that. He spent countless hours serving others inside and outside of the church. Jimmy found no problem being generous with all he had. If it furthered the Lord’s kingdom, he wanted to be a part of it. Currently, the Ray family attends Cottonwood Creek Church of Allen, TX and has made this church their home for quite some time.

Jimmy spent the majority of his life in the sales industry working for Sysco Food Services of Dallas. There is no surprise as to why he was so successful, since he never met a stranger. While the University of North Texas may have granted him an Education degree, he found his place serving the world in a different capacity. He retired in 2011 after spending 35+ years making sure his number one client, Cheesecake Factory, had your favorite meal on the menu.

Jimmy’s family would like you to know above all else he was a family man. What they have learned most from his presence in their lives can be found in James 1:19-20. “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” Jimmy was a kind, patient and unconditionally loving husband, father, brother and friend. His goodness was a constant reflection of Jesus and this is what the family hopes his life has blessed you with.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Cottonwood Creek Church in Allen, TX on Friday April 26th at 4:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to Oakridge Ministries PO Box 542 Florence, TX 76527. www.oakridgedisciplehouse.com