Our beloved husband, father, granddad, uncle, and friend James Keith Ray, Sr. passed away peacefully on May 26, 2013, in Denton, TX at The Senior Care Center.



Jim was born on April 5, 1935 to B.J. and Hazel Ray in Grant City, MO. He graduated from Grant City High School in 1953. He married Sarah Wilkinson, also of Grant City, in Kansas City, MO in 1964 and she became the stepmother of his three children, James Jr., Robin, and Cathie. Jim fell and broke his neck in 1963 and exceeded the doctor's expectations in recovery. He lived the majority of his life in Kansas City where he served as an Elder of Northside Christian Church and was later a member of Fairview Christian Church. Jim was active in real estate and served as a Missouri Real Estate Commissioner for a number of years; he was also a member of the Gladstone Planning Commission and numerous other civic committees. Jim loved serving as Chair and member of Clay County Developmentally Disabled Resources Board where his own life experiences enabled him to compassionately serve. Jim and Sarah moved to Texas in 2005 where Jim served on the Rules and Compliance Committee of Robson Ranch Texas. Jim was admired and viewed as an inspiration by his wife, children, and grandchildren that loved and respected him. While at The Senior Care Center Jim became a source of comfort for other residents where he was affectionately known as 'the resident chaplain'.



Jim was preceded in death by his mother Hazel, father B.J. Sr., brother B.J. Jr., sisters Doris Maxwell, Virginia Cole, Helen Kump and infant son Jodi Michael.



Jim is survived by his wife Sarah, children, James and Merlene Ray, Robin and Gene Colley, and Cathie and Rusty Threadgill; grandchildren, Jason Ray, Scott and Kristin Colley, Justin Ray, Jeremy and Jennifer Ray, Jennifer and Alex Woods, Austin Colley, Maghan and Adam Long, and Logan Threadgill; brothers, William K (Bill) and Mary Ray, Franklin and Zelpha Ray; sister, Beverly Cadle; former daughter-in-law Connie Gregory; 15 Great Grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. His insight, advice, and love will be greatly missed by all.



Service for Jim will be held May 30, 2013 at Mount Moriah Terrace Park at 801 NW 108th Street, Kansas City, MO. Visitation begins at 9:00 A.M. and service at 10:00 A.M. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Special Olympics or Wounded Warriors.