James Floyd Ramay

James Floyd Ramay was the first child born on January 1, 1931 in Okemah, Oklahoma. His parents, Virgie and Floyd Ramay, were itinerate educators and moved from job to job in central Oklahoma until they ended up in the legendary paradise called Coalgate, where Jim grew into the man he would become. He quickly thirsted for wider horizons, a call to adventure that would eventually take him around the world. His friends referred to him as “Gentleman Jim” and he proudly carried these humble Oklahoma roots to every place his wanderlust took him. His first move away was to Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State) where his thriving social life underwent a profound change when he went on a date with a good friend, Beverly Ann Hall. Jim tells it best, “We kissed goodnight in the back of Willard Hall at the date’s end, and my life was changed forever…I was “nailed” by that kiss.” They married in 1952 and a 70-year love story ensued. Their adventure began when Jim joined the Air Force and they moved to South Dakota, where son Steven James was born. Jim’s military service was always a point of pride for him throughout his life. After four years, they moved back to Oklahoma, completing college with a degree in Geology, and then off to Fort Stockton, Texas where they had a daughter in 1957, Susan Kay. He worked for a seismic crew, starting a long career with Exxon where he ended up as Assistant Chief Geophysicist. The family moved with him to Midland, Denver, New Orleans, and finally Houston, with solo work in China and Brazil. Jim happily retired in 1991 and spent the 32 years doing exactly what he wanted to do. He and Beverly became world travelers. He taught himself to be an accomplished artist, painting hundreds of oils and watercolors. He donated many paintings to Jesse Jones Park in Houston, where he volunteered for much of his retirement, nature guide, Pioneer Days, and supporting an organization that he truly loved. He was certified as a scuba diver and logged over a thousand dives. He rafted down the Grand Canyon on the Colorado four times, happily chronicling geologic mysteries such as the Great Unconformity. He and Bev went to Vegas. A lot. And he shared his joy of life and adventure with the two kids who adored him and with their families (Steve, wife Kelley and daughter Samantha, and Susan Pugliano, husband Frank, daughter Sarah and son Daniel). We were thrilled with his love for us. He taught us every day, and we crowned him the “Shaman” of our tribe, a mantle he openly embraced with a sly grin. And we will always laugh with him, and continue to dance the Shaman’s dance, and listen every day for the echo of his harmonica playing Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain.

Memorial Gifts may be directed to:

Jesse Jones Park Volunteers

20634 Kenswich Dr., Humble, TX 77338

https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/2302349