Jonathan Edward Ray Jr.

1938 - 2008

Jonathan Edward Ray Jr. died Tuesday night, Jan. 15, in Stevensville Mont. His Heavenly Father called him home. His heart was just too tired and worn out to go on. He was born Jan. 22, 1938, to Jonathan Edward Ray and Darris Schiparo in San Antonio.
He served in the U.S. Navy when he was young and then much later in life he worked for SECCIA in Pocatello helping the veterans. He was most famous for his restaurants in Rexburg, the Sober Society and Jonathan's Grotto. Jon loved to cook. After he moved to Stevensville, he opened a barbecue stand, which was later moved to a restaurant named Grumpy's. He entered many barbecue competitions and won many awards. He was preceded by his parents, Jonathan Sr. and Darris Schiparo, and his brothers, Ordy Ray and Mackey Ray. He is survived by his wife, Kaylin, as well as children and grandchildren: son Jonathan III, daughter Joy Hodges and children Jeffrey, Jason, Merissa and Jeremy; son Daniel, his wife, Faith, and their children Rebecca, Christopher, C.J., Ashlee and Zachary; daughter Amaris, her husband, Gaylon, and their children Margarita, Joshua, Izabelle and Devanie; son Abraham, his wife Samantha and their children Tyson, Michael, Trevor, Nikole and Karista; daughter Samara, her husband, Davis, and their children Nichole, Brian and Justin; son Benjamin, his wife, Sarah, and their children Madeline and Mason; daughter Michaela and her husband, Adrian. Surviving stepchildren are Sarah Russell, Tom, Dan and Jenny Spencer. He is also survived by his brother Bob Ray and his wife, Janice, and sister Angel and her husband, David. There are also many nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles and cousins.
Jonathan was a diligent member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He loved his Heavenly Father and his Savior. He was always eager to share his testimony with others.
He took pleasure in helping those in need. He touched many hearts in this world and was a good friend to many. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and all that knew him. Whitesitt Funeral Home at 314 Church Street in Stevensville will be holding the viewing on Friday, Jan. 18, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Services will be held Saturday, Jan. 19, at 10 a.m. at the Stevensville LDS church on South Main. He will be laid for his final rest in the Philipsburg Cemetery at 3:30 p.m.