James W. Ray III

I moved to Birmingham back in December of 1999 and Jim was the first and only person to say hello out of a room of many people. We hit it off with our personalities. Over the past several years we maintained a very odd but friendly relationship. I have two rocks on my bathroom counter that he brought back from NY in PUTT PUTT! I doubt anyone knows the story of the rocks, but that is ok with me. Rest in peace Jim!

I new Jim through my friendship with his brother Max. Jim always had time, advise and friendship for his younger brother and friends. I will remember him as the older brother I wish I had. I wish I had stayed in touch with the family and am greatly saddened by his passing. My condolences to the family.

How sad to hear of Jim passing away. We knew Jim when he lived in Miami but lost touch with him when he moved away.
He loved to take us deep sea fishing
and always looked so handsome sitting at the helm with his beautiful smile.

Jim was always a Southern gentleman and it was a privilege to know him.

Jim and I were the best of friends as young boys and I remember fondly our days playing in the big house in Forest Hills with all of his Coca-Cola memorabilia.
I still have the wagon we painted (slime green) in my backyard on Marshall Terrace and can still smell the terpentine and paint thinner Mom used to clean us up. Our clothes went in the garbage.
I lost touch with Jim after he moved, but I often tell my 6-year-old son of our adventures.
He was a great guy who had a...

.......I should also make mention of the times at Smith Mountain Lake. Early morning boat rides up to the Roanoke River (french fries @ 7:30 a.m. from one of the marinas, yum, yum). While Jim was water skiing he could pull out a cigarette, light it and smoke while skiing (I think the same talent could be realized with a cold beer)!!! On one occasion Jim was frustrated with an engine repair at the dock by the house. A couple of four letter words later, Mrs. Ray beckoned from the screened...

Dear Jo, Susan and Max......I am deeply saddened to hear of Jim's passing. I have great memories of childhood friendship with Jim in Danville. The mini-bike rides from Dan's Hill across the creek across from your house, through the woods to Carter's Grill for a cheeseburger and a Coke (not a Pepsi!!) were great fun. Jim rode a Honda, I rode a Sears brand of some sort! And of course, fixing up the "clubhouse" at Dan's Hill (initial funding by Lily Lemke) was a precursor to many a party in...

Friends, Family will gather at our home Saturday 4/14 beginning at 1:30pm for a late lunch; Jim always enjoyed a good gathering and that's how we will celebrate his life and share the good memories. The BBQ will be ready, the pool cool, Sauna Hot and the hot tub somewhere in between. Rooms have been reserved at the Marriot Courtyard, 500 Shades Creek parkway (birmingham-35209) (205)879-0400. We will also join friends in Islamorada Florida in the next month to spread his ashes. The will be...