Jim Ray

James Milton Ray, age 77 of Deweyville, Texas, went to join his wife Kathy in Heaven on Wednesday, March 11, 2020 in Missouri. Services to honor James will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, March 21, 2020 at Dorman Funeral Home with Rev. John Fortenberry officiating. Interment with honors provided by the Southeast Texas Veterans Group will immediately follow at Wilkinson Cemetery. Family and friends will gather for a visitation from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Saturday, March 21, 2020. James was born in Huntington Park, California on December 10, 1942 to Esther Mae Richardson Ray and Howard Milton Ray. He proudly served his country in the United States Army. James married the love of his life Kathy Irene Gifford on December 20, 1969 and the two were married for almost 50 years before Kathy passed away on October 28, 2019. He was retired from the oil field and had been a longtime truck driver. James was an outdoors man, who enjoyed hunting, fishing and riding 4 wheelers. He had a deep love for his family and a sense of humor and whit that will be greatly missed. James had a wonderful laugh that was contagious and greatly appreciated by all that knew him. He loved the thrill of wheeling and dealing. He is preceded in death by his wife Kathy Ray, parents Howard and Esther Ray, son David Eugene Ray and great granddaughter Maribelle Sims. He is survived by his children; Jamie Stallwood, Anne Sims and spouse John Sims, James Ray and spouse Donna Ray, and Jeanne Ray and spouse Kara Ray. Two brothers, David Lynn Ray and John Charles Ray and a sister Melinda Jane Moore. His grandchildren Lacy Barnes and spouse Robert Barnes, Jonathan Sims and spouse Kenzie Sims, Katelyn Stallwood, D'Lisa Stamper, Justin Ray and spouse Madisyn Ray, Kegan Ray, Kali Moore and spouse Brent Moore, Kyla Alexander and spouse Josh Alexander, and Taylor Briscoe and spouse Dillon Briscoe. His great grandchildren; Kylie, Kamryn, Harrison, Levi, Johnie, Noah, Oakley, Rory, Brooks, Harper, Alexis, Dallas, Hayley, Garrett and Ripp. Pallbearers to honor James will be Jonathan Sims, Justin Ray, Kegan Ray, Robert Barnes, Dustin Nolan and Mike Butts.