James Joray

James (Jim) Albert Joray, 79, of Fort Myers Florida passed away on September 10, 2024, after a long struggle with Parkinson's. Jim was born on December 18, 1944, to parents Marcel and Ruth (McKee) Joray. He was proceeded in death by his parents and two sisters, Eileen Buquor and Judy Joray. He is survived by his wife, Joyce, of almost 60 years, daughter Teresa Joray Pander (Brian), son Ron Joray (Venia), brother John Joray, wife (Donna) grandchildren, Tiffany Brock, (Trevor), Samantha Pander (Kevin), Bailey Joray, and Weston Joray. Great grandsons AJ, Giovanni, and Vincent Brock and great granddaughter Sophia Dunkin. His family was important to him and were the light of his life.
In earlier years, he was a safety patrol in middle school, school bus driver in high school, and delivered the newspaper in his neighborhood. They called him the mayor because he knew everything that was going on and was willing to share it. He graduated from Fairfax High School. Before completing college, he joined the Air Force. After an honorable discharge from the Air Force, he joined IBM as a customer engineer and retired from IBM in 1996. During that time, he was a member of the Greater Manassas Jaycees and Manassas CB radio club and held many offices in them. After moving to Florida, he held a student pilot license in hot air ballooning, he was a member of the US Coast Guard, on the board of the Deaf service Center of Fort Myers, and a member of the Rotary Club and chairman of trustees for many years at Grace Church in Cape Coral.
He was so full of life and energy and loved to see new places and lived with his wife, Joyce, in a motorhome for 18 years. During that time, he was a member of SOWERS (Servants on Wheels Ever Ready) and NOMADS (Nomads On a Mission Active in Divine Service) completing projects in several states. Jim was a great handyman and could fix almost anything. He loved fishing, hot air ballooning, skeet shooting, fixing things at home, the church and for family and friends. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday March 29, 2025, 11:00 at Grace Church Shores, 14036 Matanzas Dr., Fort Myers, FL. The link for Grace Church app is egracechurch.com, Select Fort Myers Shores and you will be able to attend virtually. In lieu of flowers please make donation to Parkinson's Research, Grace Church Shores or your favorite charity.