1948
Mr.
2013
Mr. James Ray
October 31, 1948 — June 29, 2013
October 31, 1948 – June 29, 2013
James(Jimmie) Dennis Ray, 64, Olathe, KS., died June 29 at home.
He was born October 31, 1948, in Warrensburg, Mo., the son of Leo Clayton and Marion Rozelle (Darrah) Ray.
Jim's life was a gift to all those lucky enough to have been touched by his laughter, love, and generous heart. Jim lived his adult life in service to his country. He served in the Army from 1967-1970 including a tour of duty in Vietnam. He followed that with a career in law enforcement serving on local police departments, state and federal correctional organizations, and as a federal law enforcement officer. He was in the Secret Service having the honor of serving on multiple presidential details. He served 22 years with the Department of Justice as a criminal investigator for the Department of Veterans affairs.
Jim was a member of Henri Masonic Lodge #190, Tonganoxie, KS; Shriners International Arab Shriners, Topeka, KS; and the Kansas York Rite of Lawrence, KS including Royal Arch Chapter No. 4, Cryptic Masons Council No. 14 and the Demolay Commandery No. 4 Knights Templar.
Jim was a lifelong car enthusiast from an early age. He recently completed restoration of a 1966 Chevelle convertible similar to one he owned as a teenager.
Jim's enthusiasm for life, adventurous spirit, love of music, unique sense of humor and loving, giving heart are some of the characteristics that made him an unforgettable friend, husband and father.
Preceding him in death was his father, Leo Clayton Ray, Sr, mother, Marion R. Ray and a brother, Leo Clayton Ray, Jr. He is survived by a wife, Ann Marie Smith Ray of Olathe, KS., 3 daughters, Angelina(Angel) Bates and her husband Jason of Stilwell, KS, Crystal(Christy) Davis and her husband Troy of Kansas City, KS, and Jennifer Ray-Murray and her husband Roderick of Baton Rouge, LA; a step-son son, James Nelson of Olathe, KS; a step-daughter, Erika Nelson of Dallas, TX; a brother, Larry C. Ray(wife Alison) of Olathe, KS; 7 grandchildren TJ, Tyler, Cameron, Connor, Alexandria, Sydney and Luke; 3 step-grandchildren Alexis, Noah and Emma; several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews and many, many friends. He was looking forward to becoming a great-grandfather in a few months. He touched so many lives and will be missed by so many people.
A celebration of life service will be held at the D.W. Newcomer's Sons Johnson County Chapel at 11200 Metcalf Ave. in Overland Park, KS, Friday, July 5 at 6:30 pm. Fond memories and condolences for the family may be left at www.johnsoncountychapel.com. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children http://support.shrinershospitals.org/site/PageServer?pagename=HowYouCanHelp_v2 select tribute gift or the Kansas Masonic Foundation 2909 SW Maupin Lane, Topeka, KS 66614-5335, www.kmfonline.org.
James(Jimmie) Dennis Ray, 64, Olathe, KS., died June 29 at home.
He was born October 31, 1948, in Warrensburg, Mo., the son of Leo Clayton and Marion Rozelle (Darrah) Ray.
Jim's life was a gift to all those lucky enough to have been touched by his laughter, love, and generous heart. Jim lived his adult life in service to his country. He served in the Army from 1967-1970 including a tour of duty in Vietnam. He followed that with a career in law enforcement serving on local police departments, state and federal correctional organizations, and as a federal law enforcement officer. He was in the Secret Service having the honor of serving on multiple presidential details. He served 22 years with the Department of Justice as a criminal investigator for the Department of Veterans affairs.
Jim was a member of Henri Masonic Lodge #190, Tonganoxie, KS; Shriners International Arab Shriners, Topeka, KS; and the Kansas York Rite of Lawrence, KS including Royal Arch Chapter No. 4, Cryptic Masons Council No. 14 and the Demolay Commandery No. 4 Knights Templar.
Jim was a lifelong car enthusiast from an early age. He recently completed restoration of a 1966 Chevelle convertible similar to one he owned as a teenager.
Jim's enthusiasm for life, adventurous spirit, love of music, unique sense of humor and loving, giving heart are some of the characteristics that made him an unforgettable friend, husband and father.
Preceding him in death was his father, Leo Clayton Ray, Sr, mother, Marion R. Ray and a brother, Leo Clayton Ray, Jr. He is survived by a wife, Ann Marie Smith Ray of Olathe, KS., 3 daughters, Angelina(Angel) Bates and her husband Jason of Stilwell, KS, Crystal(Christy) Davis and her husband Troy of Kansas City, KS, and Jennifer Ray-Murray and her husband Roderick of Baton Rouge, LA; a step-son son, James Nelson of Olathe, KS; a step-daughter, Erika Nelson of Dallas, TX; a brother, Larry C. Ray(wife Alison) of Olathe, KS; 7 grandchildren TJ, Tyler, Cameron, Connor, Alexandria, Sydney and Luke; 3 step-grandchildren Alexis, Noah and Emma; several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews and many, many friends. He was looking forward to becoming a great-grandfather in a few months. He touched so many lives and will be missed by so many people.
A celebration of life service will be held at the D.W. Newcomer's Sons Johnson County Chapel at 11200 Metcalf Ave. in Overland Park, KS, Friday, July 5 at 6:30 pm. Fond memories and condolences for the family may be left at www.johnsoncountychapel.com. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children http://support.shrinershospitals.org/site/PageServer?pagename=HowYouCanHelp_v2 select tribute gift or the Kansas Masonic Foundation 2909 SW Maupin Lane, Topeka, KS 66614-5335, www.kmfonline.org.
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