James W. Ray III

James Ray Obituary

VESTAVIA HILLS, Ala. - James W. Ray III, age 50, of Vestavia Hills, Ala., formerly of Miami, Fla. and Danville, Va., passed away Wednesday, April 4, 2007. "A man with a big heart, right to the end."
He was preceded in death by his father, James W. Ray, Jr. Mr. Ray is survived by his mother, Joanne Fraser (formerly Joanne W. Ray); sister, Susan Ray Karlson of Elkton, Md.; brother, Max T. Ray of Birmingham; step-brothers, Richard Fraser of Montreal PQ and John Fraser of Nova Scotia; and step-sisters, Merrill Fraser of Decatur, Ga. and Nancy Carson of Ottowah.
A memorial service and late lunch will be held Saturday, April 14, 2007 at 1:30 p.m. at the Ray residence, 2766 Smyer Circle, Vestavia Hills, Ala.
Jim was cremated and there will be a gathering of friends at Isla Morada in the Florida Keys where his ashes will be spread in the Gulf of Mexico over the hump. There will also be a memorial in Bolton Landing, NY at the Ray residence later this summer.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Danville and Rockingham County on Apr. 12, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for James Ray

8 Entries

Josh Kramer

April 23, 2007

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!

Stuart Newman

April 21, 2007

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.

Ann Dowling

April 15, 2007

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.

Jack Garrett

April 13, 2007

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 great smile.
Jim will be missed.

Jack Garrett
Danville, VA

John Updike

April 13, 2007

.......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 porch above...."Jim, remember, sound carries further when you are near water". What an excellent and tactful way of telling your son to stop cussing!! Oh we had some times that humored us.

John Updike

April 12, 2007

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 the teen years. When y'all lived in Forest Hills, Jim introduced me to a lower nicotine cigarette (Carlton)which was purportedly easier to inhale. Thankfully, I never picked up the habit of smokes from that sneaky day in the room above the garage. A short time later I was happy when y'all moved out to Dan's Hill/Birnam Wood. I recall Susan's cool Chevy Vega, a smooth ride that Jim enjoyed driving around Dan's Hill during moments Susan was not behind the wheel! I also recall a fun trip to the drive-in movie with Susan and beau Rick Donaldson (correct me if I am wrong), not in the Vega but Rick's van, where we set up lawn chairs and had a big time.

Later in life, I lost touch with Jim for many years but he made the effort to come to my wedding in Danville in September 1991. I was happy to see him and most grateful for his effort to attend. Everyone was glad to see him at the Danville Golf Club at the Friday night pig-pickin'. The next day....I remember we needed some ice at the last minute at the reception at the pool house and he was glad to oblige with that errand. Always willing to help out. He did things with a smile on his face and always had a keen sense of humor. Jim also helped out in a family situation in FL one time.....again, it was great to see him and he was ever willing to lend a hand.

I know that Ed and Bill Corr will be saddened to hear this news as well as folks like Fred Shanks and others. We all have fond memories of Jim and our childhood in Danville. Although many of us have long moved on from Danville, the memories are forever with us.

Jo, Susan and Max.....I send my heartfelt thoughts to you all (and the entire family) and wish you the blessing of loving memories of Jim to ease the pain of his passing.

Love,
John

Max Ray

April 11, 2007

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 another gathering at our residence in Bolton Landing NY later this summer.

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results