James Earl Ray, age 77, of Coalton, went home to be with his Lord Jesus Christ on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021, from Adena Regional Medical Center in Chillicothe, Ohio. He was born July 30, 1943 in Limerick, Ohio to the late Roy Edgar Ray and Alma Frances Post Ray.
Jim was a certified electrician who owned his own business, Jim Ray Electric, for many years. He was a former councilman for the village of Coalton and a former Coalton auxiliary police officer. Jim was a devout Christian who was a member of the Glen Roy Free Will Baptist Church for 30 years. Jim was also a devoted family man who enjoyed fishing, camping, jigsaw puzzles, attending church services and spending time with his family.
He leaves behind his wife of 57 years, Pauline Cook Ray; children, Treena Hudson (Rick) of Wellston, Dennis Ray (Maretta) of Hamden and Bryan Ray (Stacey Dalton) of Coalton; grandchildren, Kiley Derrow (Brant), Jordan Hudson, Lynnesi Myers and Amanda Carr (Clinton); sisters, Patty Smith, Darlene Parks and Brenda Corvin; brother, Richard Ray; as well as 15 great-grandchildren, including Landon and Laine Ray, who resides in the home, one great-great-grandchild, several nieces and nephews, and his loyal dog, Buddy.
Besides his parents, Jim was preceded in death by grandson, Joshua Ray; and brother, Donald Ray.
Calling hours will be Monday, Jan. 25, 2021, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the McWilliams Funeral Home in Wellston. Funeral service will follow the calling hours at 3 p.m. with Pastor Dave Monroe officiating. Burial will be in the Greenlawn Memory Gardens in Coalton. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate contributions be given to the funeral home to help with expenses. For those that choose to attend the services, facial coverings are required inside the building along with the practice of social distancing. For those who cannot attend the services, Jim’s funeral service will be live-streamed on the McWilliams Funeral Home Facebook page starting at 3 p.m. on Monday. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.mcwilliams-funeralhome.com