James Russell Bray

James Russell Bray, born September 7, 1967 in Norman, Oklahoma. He was the third child born to Bobby Leroy Bray and Patricia Locke Bray. Jim grew up moving throughout the southern states due to his father's employment locations. He graduated from Lassiter High School in Georgia and went on to study hotel/restaurant management. He was married twice resulting in four amazing kids that he cherished. Many years of his career were spent managing restaurants until later in life when he studied dietary management. He was proud to be a Certified Dietary Manager and loved his work at retirement homes in Wichita, Kansas. Jim was preceded in death by his father Bob L. Bray whom he missed greatly. He is survived by his mother, Patricia Bray; brother, Tim Bray; and sisters, Toni Engler and Charlotte Bray all residing in Georgia. Wife, Lori G. Bray and Children: Hannah Hammargren and husband Steven residing in Michigan, David Bray and wife Karsen residing in Nebraska; Russell Bray, Rostin Bray, and nephew Noah Engler all residing in Kansas. We know he is with the Lord and at peace.
James Bray, known by most as Jim and identified by most as the red-haired guy with a huge smile. If he was outside of work, he'd be wearing Oklahoma Sooners gear from head to toe. He was larger than life and loved to joke. There was rarely a doubt on what side of any issue he was on. He enjoyed his career as a Dietary Manager largely because he could impact the lives of the elderly. He remembered how they liked their tea/coffee, asked about sports or family, and truly connected to them with care and concern.
As a DAD, he was loud and funny and affectionate. He cherished his children: David, Hannah, Russell and Rostin and nephew Noah. He was a proud husband and father who also loved to fish, camp, hang out with friendly folks, the Lord, and all college football.
Sooner born and Sooner bred, when I die I'll be sooner dead. Ra Oklahoma!
Please help us to remember him and honor him with only the fondest of memories.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of James, please visit our floral store.