James Pendleton Ray

James Pendleton "Jim" Ray
HILLSBOROUGH - James Pendleton "Jim" Ray, 84, passed away on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Duke University Hospital. He was born in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, to the late J. Marvin Ray and Aileen Blanche Pendleton Ray, and lived most of his life in Hillsborough, Orange County, North Carolina.
Jim grew up in Hillsborough and graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1960. A standout multi-sport athlete in football and basketball, he served as football team captain, earned all-conference and all-state honors, and was selected to play in the 1959 North Carolina–South Carolina Shrine Bowl. A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Jim played football for the Tar Heel program and was part of the 1963 Gator Bowl team.
During his college years, Jim helped his father build what would become Occoneechee Golf Course, which opened in 1963. After college, he worked in management with Southern Railway in Virginia, South Carolina, and North Carolina for several years.
Jim returned to Hillsborough in the early 1970s to take over the operation of Occoneechee Golf Course, expanding and improving it into a well-known local destination. He also enjoyed time on the local lakes and later devoted much of his time to his family, especially supporting his grandchildren in their school and athletic activities.
Quietly and without seeking recognition, Jim believed strongly in helping others. Throughout his life, he gave people opportunities, supported his community in practical ways, and stepped in when help was needed.
Jim was a tireless worker who consistently put others ahead of himself. He often carried on when it would have been easier to step back, believing that taking care of those who depended on him mattered more than his own comfort.
Jim also valued friendship deeply and maintained close relationships throughout his life, staying connected with friends from childhood, from college, and in later years through simple routines and shared conversations.
Jim was married for 59 years to his beloved wife, Donna Anderson Ray. He is survived by his wife; his sons, Mark Ray (Jennifer Hsu) and Scott Ray (Leslie); his grandchildren, Travis Ray, Aidan Ray, Natalie Morgan Ray, and Connor Ray; and his sister-in-law, Jo Anne (Ron) Byerly.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 17, at Clements Funeral Chapel in Hillsborough. The family will receive friends at Clements Funeral Home following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Eno Fire Department, 5019 US 70, Durham, NC 27705, and/or the Orange Rural Fire Dept, P.O. Box 1511, Hillsborough NC 27278.
The family is being assisted by Clements Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. in Hillsborough. Online condolences may be sent to www.clementsfuneralservice.com.