John "Jack" Ray
CHATHAM, IL - John "Jack" Ray, 84, died at 11:51 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2013, at his residence.
Jack was born Aug. 4, 1929, in Springfield, the son of Thomas and Mabel Kress Ray. He married Rosalena Bax on Feb. 6, 1952 in St. Louis, Mo.
Jack graduated from Cathedral Boys High School and served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He also had the honor of participating in an honor flight to Washington, D.C. He worked for Pete and Charlie Salvo at The Platter before establishing his own business, Service Center One. He was a member of St. Joseph the Worker Church in Chatham, where he served at many funeral services, the Chatham American Legion Post 759, a life member and Grand Knight of Knights of Columbus Council 364, Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Bishop Griffin Assembly, and the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem. Jack was a loyal fan of the Sacred Heart Griffin Football team and attended almost every home game.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Thomas and Paul Ray; and six sisters: Marjorie Shimkus, Virginia Hostick, Janet Cicerelli, Mary Margaret Brocco, Camille Isringhausen and Patricia Dixon.
He is survived by his wife, Rosalena "Rosie" Ray of Chatham; two sons, Robert Ray of Springfield and John Martin and Deborah Ray of Chatham; daughter, Karen Ray of Springfield; two grandchildren, Mindy and Morgan Ray; siblings, Richard Ray and Jean (husband, George) Pape, both of Springfield; and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4-7 p.m., Monday Nov. 25, 2013, at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 4 p.m. 4th Degree Honor Guard will be posted.
Funeral Mass: 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2013, at St. Joseph the Worker Church, 700 E. Spruce St., Chatham, IL with Rev. Dennis Kollross, celebrant. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery.
Please visit butlerfuneralhomes.com to offer your condolences.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
December 10, 2013
Karen and Rosie -
I'm so sorry for your loss.
Susan Fischer
November 27, 2013
Our prayers are with you Rosie and your children. Jack was a happy guy and loved by alll. Keep all the happy memories you have. Especially our Friday nights out.
GOD'S Blessings to you and your family.
ART and Jean Spiegel
Vicky Clemons Ringer
November 26, 2013
Rosie and family: So sorry to read of Jack's passing. What a wonderful man he was. I know he will be missed by many. Cherish the memories you have with such a lovely man. God bless you all. Victoria Clemons Ringer
Rick & Linda Ray
November 25, 2013
So very sorry for your loss.
Bud&Kaye Becker
November 25, 2013
Rosie -- so sorry to read that Jack has left us. Way back when we all were much younger, we had some great times together. Best to you and yours. He was a good man and will be missed.
Mark O'Brien
November 25, 2013
Rosie, I am sorry to read of Jack's passing. He was a super nice man and I know he will be missed. Know that you are in my prayers.
November 25, 2013
Dear Rosie and family,
Our prayers are with you at this time. Jack was a great guy who will be missed by many. Jim and Carol Sgro
November 25, 2013
My Prayers Are With You.
Respectfully,
Judy Gordon
November 25, 2013
Karen ,Rosie and family
Facebook allows us to get I touch with so many people we have lost touch but sometimes delivering not so good news.
my condolences to you all in he passing of Jack. 22nd street has so many good memories and all the wonderful people I remember
Rita Ressler Griffith
Jane Bucci
November 24, 2013
Dear Rose and family --
So sorry to hear that you are suddenly without Jack. Such a sweet, good humored man -- you all have been very blessed these many years! Prayers for your strength and peace at this time.
Love, Jane
November 24, 2013
Rosie & Family,
May you and your family have wonderful memories of great times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
May God Bless All,
Tom @ Jane Wilson
Virden, Illinois
Loretta and George Ralph Family
November 24, 2013
We can't think of Jack without thinking of him and our dad, George, fixing TVs together at the Platter. Jack was a great man. May your wonderful memories give you comfort during this difficult time, and know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
November 23, 2013
Rosie,
I was so sorry to hear of Jack's death. My thought and prayers are sent to you. Sallie Hardy
Marilyn & Bill Franklin
November 23, 2013
Rosie & family
We are so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for the days ahead, thinking of you & your family.
November 23, 2013
Karen and family,
So sorry for your loss.
Boo Siebert Miller
Jo Ann Minks. Taylor
November 23, 2013
Rosie, I am so sorry to learn of your husband's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Cheryl Neff
November 23, 2013
Karen Ray, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. . .
Jack & Sharon O'Brien
November 23, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Barbara (Huckeyb) Necessary
November 23, 2013
My prayers are with the Jack Ray family. I was a North End neighbor and friends with his sisters and Rich. So sorry for your loss. Barb
Tim Hughes
November 23, 2013
Jack was a great man and a friend to all, he will always be remembered in my prayers.
Carole Allen
November 23, 2013
My deepest condolences and prayers are with you, Rosie, and your family. Carole Allen, Houston, Texas
John Szerletich
November 23, 2013
Rosie and Family - Many words come to mind when I think of Jack. Friend..True Knight…Mentor..Dedicated and a true man of faith, just to name a few. He will be missed. May God watch over you and your family during these difficult times and may God Bless Jack.
Ellen Griffin (Poulson)
November 23, 2013
Please accept my deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Kevin Davlin
November 23, 2013
Rosie and Karen-
My deepest condolences to both of you. My prayers are with the family. Jack was a tremendous man. May he rest in peace.
Margaret (Bracco)) Leckrone
November 23, 2013
My prayers go out to the whole Ray family. You and Rosie have always been so nice to me. God be with all of u.
Phil Clarke
November 23, 2013
Ray Family-I got to know Jack thru the Knights of Columbus-What a nice man he was. He always had a smile on his face and a uplifting spirit. May God bless you Jack. Your family is in my prayers.
Tom Armstead
November 23, 2013
God Bless you Jack and all your family.
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