James Arthur Ray Jr.

1932 - 2025

James Arthur Ray Jr.

September 14, 1932 - September 6, 2025

Fort Worth, Texas - James (Jim) A. Ray Jr., an obedient son, devoted husband, loving father, proud veteran, and faithful Bible-believing Christian servant, passed away on September 6, 2025, at the age of 92. He went by Jim Ray by most of his friends and fellow workers. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, kindness, and hard work that touched many lives.

A memorial service to celebrate James's life will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, in Greenwood's Live Oak Chapel, 3100 White Settlement Rd., Fort Worth, Texas 76107; with a graveside service to follow at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery at 2:30 p.m..

Born on September 14, 1932, in Thomasville, Georgia, James grew up on a farm, where he learned the values of discipline and dedication. His faith journey began early, as he was saved in the sixth grade at First Baptist Church in Meigs, Georgia. After graduating from high school in 1950, he began working part-time for Sing Oil Company.

On July 13, 1951, James enlisted in the Air Force. As he often said, "I remember my Mom telling me 'I bet you will stay with that job for at least four years.' She was right, I liked it so much I stayed for 29 years." In 1955, he married the love of his life, Dorothy Sloan, and they shared a beautiful marriage for 67 years until her passing in 2022. He met Dorothy at the First Baptist Church in Sherman, Texas. His distinguished career included service in Korea and two tours in Vietnam, as well as temporary duties in Guam, Iceland, Saudi Arabia, England, and other locations. No matter what military base, he faithfully served in local Baptist churches with his family or a local assembly overseas. He retired on May 31, 1980, having achieved the highest enlisted rank of Chief Master Sergeant (E-9).

After his military retirement, James continued his career at General Dynamics, which later became Lockheed Martin, where he worked until his second retirement in 2000. He held an Associate's degree and was a certified airplane mechanic. Throughout his life, he found joy in serving others, both in his church as a deacon and by helping orphanages while stationed overseas. A member of Gideon's International, he was active in the weekly distribution of Bibles in schools, hotels, and prisons. In his free time, he enjoyed gardening, working on cars, serving as chaplain for the local VFW, and spending quality time with friends, neighbors, and family. His favorite Bible verse was John 3:16.James A. Ray Jr. will be remembered for his steadfast faith, humble service, and unwavering love for his family. He will be deeply missed.

James was preceded in death by his parents, James and Rossie; wife, Dorothy Ray; brother, Darby Ray and wife, Joan; sister, Irene Anderson and husband, John; and sister, Christine Tipton and husband, Theron.

He is survived by sons, James (Jim) Ray III and wife, Jana, Larry Ray and wife, Joan and David Ray and wife, Joyce; grandchildren, Tim Ray and wife, Katrina, James Ray IV, Jenna Wiggins and husband, Harvey, Benjamin Ray and Joseph Ray; and great-grandchildren, Sabrina and Raven Wiggins, Lydia and Lindsey Ray.