James Ray

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

James L. Ray, Sr., 93 years young, peacefully went to see his Lord and Savior on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, with the love of his life by his side. James has lived in Galena for over 35 years and was very active in the community.

James was born in Joplin, MO, Sept. 3, 1927 to Thomas Elmer Ray and Nina Ruth Ray. For 35 years James has been a member of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Galena, KS where he and Colleen Douffet Colgrove were married on June 29, 1985. James spent several years on the church vestry serving as Senior Warden for several years.

God and family were always first in his life, and while he was a humble man, James was proud of and excelled in personal career and civic areas of his life. He joined the Navy in 1945 and served in both World War II and the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1956. He was raised in the Orlando Masonic Lodge #69 in 1978 as a Master Mason. Through the Scottish Rite, he attained the 32nd degree.

He was fortunate and talented enough to have experienced many endeavors which included being a Supervisor at Coca Cola Bottling Company in Orlando, Florida and an Owner/Broker at Remax Real Estate in Joplin, Missouri. He worked several years with the school system, where he ended his time at L.C.S. as a paraprofessional with special needs children. He also served as a City Manager for the City of Galena in 2005 when the City needed structure and a change of government.

Serving others was near to his heart his entire life. He was a member of the Galena Chamber of Commerce, where he helped design Pappy Litch Park. He volunteered at N.A.L.A. in Joplin, MO and for the Ozark Area Girl Scout Council. He helped launch and also volunteered at the Southeast Kansas Nature Center in Schermerhorn Park.

Survivors are Colleen Ray of the home, Son James L. Ray Jr., (Debbie) of Virginia, daughter Sheila McMaster (Jose) of North Carolina, Step-Daughter Angela K. Hays (Clifford) of Galena and Step-son William E. Colgrove (Kim) of Galena. Grandchildren Kaley Haynie (Sam) of Tennessee, Dustin Ray (Catherine) of Texas, Carly Valles (John) of North Carolina, Hannah New (Ethan) of Joplin, Kyler Colgrove (Amanda) of Maryland, Kelsey Colgrove (Micah) of Overland Park, Corey Colgrove of West Virginia, Elizabeth Turner (Schurman)(Robert) of Joplin, Ryan Schurman (Kristy) of Oklahoma. Great-grandchildren are Isaac, Rylee & Madison Haynie, Juliana, Avalon, & Gwendolyn Valles, Fallon Ray, Greyson & Keaghan New, Keira & Alaina Colgrove, Evan and Abigail Colgrove, Arabella Turner, Kayley & Avery Schurman. James is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

James was preceded in death by parents - Elmer and Ruth Ray, brothers Darrell Ray and Wayne Ray, Charles Edmondson, and sister Wilma Jean Conway, and his first wife Nina in 1976, several nieces and nephews - Gary, Randy, David, Bill & David Ray, Ted and Mitzi Conway, and Leigh Ray.

Graveside services will be Monday, October 26th, 2020 at 1 pm at Lowell Cemetery, Baxter Springs, KS. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St Mary’s Episcopal Church in care of Derfelt Funeral Home, Galena, KS.