James Francis "Jim" Dray

1940 - 2024

Waterford - Surrounded by family, James "Jim" Francis Dray, 84, passed away peacefully at his home Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. Born in Buffalo, N.Y., Jan. 4, 1940, Jim was the son of the late Harold and Marguerite (Kirwan) Dray. Raised in New London, he graduated in 1958 from New London High School, along with his high school sweetheart and soon-to-be wife, Arlene (Busca) Dray.

After high school, Jim stayed close to home and received his first degree from Mitchell College. He then enlisted in the U.S. Navy, and was stationed in Pensacola, Fla. He returned home in 1962, and married his beloved soulmate Arlene. Jim began his successful career at Electric Boat in Groton, and enjoyed travel to many international Naval bases before retiring as a submarine overhaul program manager. During his 34 years at Electric Boat, Jim earned his bachelor's degree and his MBA.

Jim and Arlene raised their three children in Niantic and Waterford, and were always very proud of their accomplishments. Jim and Arlene enjoyed traveling to many warm locations, including several trips with their wide group of friends. They enjoyed a very fun and active life together which included skiing, tennis and golf. Avid golfers, he and Arlene were members of the Great Neck Country Club. In what would be his last season of golf, Jim was proud to achieve the honor of shooting his age at 83!

Jim and Arlene celebrated 57 years of blissful marriage before her passing in 2020. He leaves behind his three children, Tim Dray and his wife Tish, of Concord, Mass., Susan Adams and her fiancé Paul, of Niantic, and Steven Dray and his wife Elizabeth, of Arlington, Mass. He cherished his ten grandchildren: Eric Dray (Abby), Alicia Dutcher (Mike), David Dray, Andrew Dray; Dan Adams (Jillian), Rachel Hecker (Craig), Matthew Adams (Emily), Benjamin Adams; Isa Dray, and Jackson Dray. Jim was blessed to enjoy time with his ten great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his beloved sister Sharon Sandor of Salinas, Calif.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15, at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home, 48 Grand Street, Niantic. A graveside service with military honors will be held 11 a.m. Monday Sept. 16, St. Mary Cemetery, New London. Please visit www.neilanfuneralhome.com to leave the family an online condolence. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jim's memory may be made to: Habitat for Humanity (habitat.org" target="_new" rel="nofollow">www.habitat.org) or Cancer Research Institute (www.cancerresearch.org).