James A. Rayford Jr.

James Arthur Rayford Jr. was born on July 22, 1942 to Bishop James Rayford Sr. and Lula Mae Rayford in Newton, MS. He was the 1st born child of his parents' union.
Also known as Jimmy or Rayford, James' family described him as the "comedian" and the "life of the party" always telling jokes and making people laugh! Aside from his life long comedic talent, James was also a talented athlete.
While attending Edward Drummond Libbey High School in Toledo, OH James was a star basketball player. His former coach Phillip Roth often spoke of "Jimmy's" amazing talent as one of few the high school students playing for his City Park league. James went on to play basketball for The University of Findlay, and as a freshman was noted by the Lima News as, "Findlay's Sensational Freshman Star!" After leaving the University of Findlay, James enlisted into the United States Airforce on May 6, 1965 where he was awarded with the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, a Good conduct Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Companion Medal before being honorably discharged on August 25, 1968.
On November 28, 1969 James married the Beautiful Johnnie Mae Wilson and became Dad to Dana and Symone Wilson. James enjoyed spending time with his children and shared his love of sports with them. His son Dorian Rayford was later born to this union in 1971. Dorian describes his relationship with his Dad as being a best friend and his Dad's confidant.
Aside from his comedic personality and his incredible athletic ability, James displayed incredible artistic abilities! As an amateur photographer James would often be the person behind the camera snapping shots and capturing important life moments. Many didn't know he even had his own dark room and often developed his own photos. In addition to being a photographer, James was an AMAZING artist! His home displayed a vast array of his beautiful original paintings.
James was a hard-working man providing several years of service before retiring from GM Powertrain. James was very friendly as he NEVER met a stranger! He could capture your attention with stories about his humble beginnings to growing up in the civil rights era to his travels across the country. James was also a kind-hearted man who very rarely displayed anger towards others.
James was preceded in death by his beautiful Wife of 50 years Johnnie Mae Rayford, his Father Bishop James Arthur Rayford Sr., Mother Lula Mae Rayford, and Sisters Connie Rayford and Arvella "Bucka" Jones.
He leaves to cherish his son Dana (Vonda) Wilson, his daughter Symone "Tweetie" Wilson and his baby boy Pastor Dorian (Shannon) Rayford. Siblings: Billy Rayford, Annie Tate, Flora Rayford, Levon "Bonnie" Rayford, Phillip Rayford, Jacqueline Rayford, David (Serena) Rayford, Lionel Rayford, Carmen Rayford, JoAnne (Moran) Lowe, Pastor Regina (Keith) Shinaul, Denise Harris, Timothy (Jan) Rayford, and Donnie Rayford as well as 11 Grandchildren, 19 Great Grandchildren and a host of Cousins, Nephews, Nieces and Friends.