James H. McCray

james mccray

July 11, 1916 ~ July 20, 2007


Resided in: Pueblo, CO

James H. McCray, 91, passed away July 20, 2007. Born July 11, 1916, in Moundville, Alabama, to Levi and Grace McCray. Jim was raised in Texas and Oklahoma before moving to Pueblo, Colorado, in 1935, at the age of 19. Jim served in the U.S. Army during WWII in the Pacific. First employed as a truck driver for the Hardrick family and Forebush Ice and Coal Company, Jim later worked for CF&I Steel from 1941-1974, serving as a foreman in the Rail Finishing Department. After retirement, he worked an additional 17 years inspecting rails at CF&I. Jim married Thelma Austin on July 14, 1937, in Elk City, Oklahoma. The couple celebrated their 70th anniversary with family and friends during a reception on July 14. The couple lived in Pueblo all their married lives, the past 55 years on East 18th St. Jim was a committed Christian, a faithful member of New Heights Baptist Church, where he served as head usher and greeter for many years. Prior to his membership at New Heights Baptist, the McCrays were members of Temple and Parkhill Baptist Churches in Pueblo. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Grace (Maiden name: Hester) and Levi McCray; two brothers, Raymon and Hulen McCray; sister, Evelyn Bingham; brothers-in-law, Fabain Farrell, Dwayne Bingham and Bill Sargent; sisters-in-law, Tessie McCray and Alma McCray; and many friends. Jim is survived by his loving wife, Thelma, as well as their children, Kay (Larry) Bennett and Mike (Kim) McCray, all of Pueblo; grandchildren, Shelley (Randy) White of Katy, Texas, Mark Bennett of Abilene, Texas, Tara McCray of Denver, Tiffany McCray of Denver, Torey Kuznicki and Elena Romero, both of Pueblo; great-grandchildren, Hannah White, Nathan White, Austin Bennett, Andrew Bennett and Mateo Sanchez; brothers, Carlton McCray, Charlie (Lavada) McCray, Johnny (Emajean) McCray and Kenneth (Betty) McCray; sisters, Vivian (Earl) White, Nancy (Darden) Lilly, Ruby Sargent and Katherine (B.J.) Thomas; sister-in-law, Idonia Farrell and Dorance Jackson; as well as many nieces and nephews. The family will be present for the viewing today at the funeral home from 2 to 4 p.m. Viewing Monday also from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Funeral service, 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 24, 2007, in the Montgomery & Steward Chapel with Dr. Randy White officiating. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Foreign Mission Fund of New Heights Baptist Church or Fellowship of the Rockies, through Montgomery & Steward Funeral Directors, 1317 N. Main St., Pueblo, Colo. 81003. Online condolences, MontgomerySteward.com

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  1. Please accept my sincere sympathy for the lost of Jim. Like many,I worked for him in the Rail Finish and could not have asked for a better boss.

  2. Myself and my family will miss Uncle Jim. He had a great sense of humor and always had great stories to tell. He always played Dominoes with the kids and was full of “baseball advice.” We spent a lot of time with him while growing up and he was my favorite uncle. We will all miss him very much!

  3. My heart goes out to all of you at this time knowing what you are going through. Wishing I could be there for you. May God comfort and sustain you and give you peace.
    Love, Ruby Sargent

  4. My family and I extend our heart felt sympathies & our love & prayers to Thelma and family. Having the McCrays for neighbors the past ten years has been a tremendous blessing. Jim will be missed!


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