James J. Ray

James John “Jimmy” Ray, age 39, of Belding, passed away, with his parents by his side, at Corewell Health, Butterworth Hospital on Friday, January 17, 2025. He was born on October 3, 1985, in East Grand Rapids, Michigan to John Lee and Christine Ellen (Doran) Ray. James attended St. Jospeh Elementary School in Belding and graduated from Belding High School with the Class of 2004. He worked in several capacities during his lifetime, most recently at Clarion Products in Greenville. Jimmy was mechanically inclined, working on cars from an early age with his father, and for the past several years he was interested in buying things and selling them on-line with a focus on antiques, toys and books but anything he could flip.

Jimmy truly loved his family and friends. His daughter, Everleigh, was the light of his life. They loved being outdoors, especially on Slayton Lake. They enjoyed playing board games, cards and Yahtzee.

Jimmy is survived by his daughter, Everleigh Ray, and her mother, Heather Surrey of Lowell; his parents, John and Christine Ray of Belding; his grandparents, Gail Doran Van Stee (Harvey Hamilton) of Grandville and Lorenzo Huey of Sheridan; his siblings, Jordan (Jessica) Ray of Greenville and Laura Ray of Belding; nieces, Vada Ray, Adelynn Ray; and nephew, Aidan Ray (Tori Luptowski); aunts; Colleen (John) Timpson, Kathy (David) Hoseth, Kim Doran (Daron Ensign), Carrie (Scott) Yeomans, Cathie Ray (Kevin Nelson), Lorinda (Mike) Davis; and uncle, Tim (Karen) Doran; several cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by grandparents, Waldo Ray, Nancy Huey and John “Jerry” Doran and his favorite uncle, Sean Doran.

A Celebration of Life gathering will take place on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Verdun Family Funeral Home, 303 S. Bridge Street, Belding, Michigan 48809. Jimmy’s family will greet visitors beginning at 10:00 a.m. and a Service will begin at 12 Noon with Pastor Mike Simmons officiating. Those wishing to express their sympathy through a memorial donation are welcome to consider a donation to the Belding Library. Envelopes will be available at the service or by contacting the funeral home for additional information at (616) 794-1300 or verdunfh.com.