James C. Ray

1923 - 2017

James C. Ray

Naples, FL

James C. Ray, 94, of Naples Florida, died peacefully on April 1st 2017 following a short illness.

James was born in San Francisco, California on January 1st 1923, to James and Bertha Ray. He fondly recalled childhood adventures playing in Golden Gate Park, and swimming with friends at Ocean Beach. As a youngster, James was never idle, and had countless part time jobs, selling magazines, delivering groceries, delivering laundry, you name it. Evidence of his entrepreneurial nature was plain to see! James was an Eagle Scout, and his troop marched across the Golden Gate Bridge during the inauguration ceremonies in 1937. James attended high school at Lowell Academy, graduating at the age of 17.

Upon graduation, James found his first full-time employment as a steelworker.

In late 1941 he and his crew were sent to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, to construct a building for the U.S. Navy. Early on Sunday morning, December 7th, he witnessed the Japanese attack from a vantage point about 400 yards from the USS Arizona. Shortly thereafter, James enlisted in the Army Air Corps, demonstrated an aptitude for flight training, and ultimately served as a B-17 command pilot with the Eighth Air Force, 447th Bomb Group, based in Rattlesden, England. Among his 30 missions flown were raids on the Schweinfurt ball-bearing plants and a D-Day attack on a German Army headquarters in Caen, France. Flying over the English Channel that fateful morning, he was awe struck by the countless boat wakes he saw through the broken clouds. James attained the rank of Major, and for his service was awarded the Air Medal and Distinguished Flying Cross, with Oak Leaf Clusters, two of the highest honors bestowed upon military aviators.

Following the war, James returned home, where he served in the Air National Guard until separating from service in 1949. He soon met and married the love of his life, Joan L. Paine. Married for 36 years, they raised two children, son Jim and daughter Joanie, and Joan's two children from her prior marriage. The family spent much of the 1950's residing in Gstaad, Switzerland.

James' business career began in earnest after the war. During a span of more than 40 years, he was actively engaged in venture capital investments, as seed investor and advisor to over 300 startup technology companies. His entrepreneurial nature and keen business sense proved invaluable to his success and the success of many companies that he supported. He never met an electronic gadget he didn't love! He was an early adopter of all things technology.

Aviation remained an ever present part of his life. Throughout the years, James owned and operated many different aircraft. One of his favorites was a Cessna 170B, which he flew on business and personal trips in the 1950's through the Caribbean, Central America, Europe and Africa, visiting 58 countries. For over 29 years, he flew Cessna Citation jets, and was rated for single pilot operations.

During the 1960's James and his family lived in Montana, operating a large scale cattle ranch. At that time, cattle herds around the world were suffering from a disease which rendered cows sterile. Through their family foundation, Ray Foundation, a veterinary research facility was constructed on the ranch to study the problem and develop a cure. This was achieved by 1967. Ten years of royalties from the worldwide sale of the vaccine were distributed through the Ray Foundation to support two of their causes, youth anti-drug education and mental health programs. James' "can do" attitude to find the cure made this possible.

In later years, James focused much of his philanthropy on aviation, supporting the University of North Dakota's Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences, the Experimental Aircraft Association's Air Academy in Oshkosh, WI, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association's youth aviation and pilot safety initiatives, and Sun 'n Fun Fly-In's youth aviation education programs. James was also instrumental in funding the construction of the Central Florida Aerospace Academy in Lakeland,

Florida, a 500 student aviation oriented high school career academy, and the Lakeland Aero Club, a high school flying club adjacent to the high school. Both are on the campus of Sun 'n Fun Fly-In on Lakeland Linder Regional Airport. He also established the James C. Ray Scholarship Fund, providing financial support for flight training to Polk County, Florida high school students of merit. James believed the self-discipline and self-confidence he learned during flight training helped him achieve success in life and business. He felt strongly that these traits and assuming responsibility for one's own actions are learned skills and important character traits that can truly make one free to pursue their dreams. His generous support of so many worthwhile aviation causes helps assure that aspiring young aviators will have the opportunity to learn this for themselves for years to come.

In addition to aviation related philanthropy, James provided support for the University of North Dakota's Center for Innovation, an incubator for start-up companies, and the University's Entrepreneurship degree program within the business school. He has also been a strong supporter of Southeastern Guide Dogs, Palmetto, FL, a world class provider of seeing-eye dogs and service dogs for the blind, disabled, and returning veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress. Locally he was a big fan and supporter of The Alzheimer's Support Network, and the YMCA of Collier County.

James was predeceased by his wife and children. Wife Joan in 1986, son Jim in 2005, and daughter Joanie in 2009. He is survived by many friends around the world, the hundreds of people his philanthropy has benefitted, and his loyal Papillion dog Mia.

Those that knew James would describe him as one of the most strong-willed people they have ever met. He was eternally optimistic, a lifelong learner, intensely honorable and suffered no fools. He often described himself as a Curmudgeon, defined as a miserly, ill-tempered old man. Nothing could be further from the truth. He was a gentle soul and very humble. Much of his philanthropy was done anonymously, as it was never about him. The success of the people and institutions he helped was the greatest thanks he could ever receive. While he will be missed, his spirit will endure in the many people and places he touched.

In respect of his wishes there will be no formal service. A private Memorial with friends and associates will be held at a later date.

Godspeed Major Ray. Cleared for takeoff runway 27, fly runway heading, climb on course, altitude your discretion.