James H. Ray

james ray

September 13, 1941 ~ January 23, 2025

Born in: Fairport, New York
Resided in: Beulah, Colorado

James H. Ray, 83, of Beulah, Colo. passed away on Thursday, January 23, 2025 at Parkview Hospital. Jim was born to Arthur and Ilmi Ray (née Musakka) on September 13, 1941 in Fairport, N.Y. Jim married Jeanie Sampson on November 18, 1967 in Alliance, Neb.

Jim was an Eagle Scout and went to West Aurora High School where he enjoyed basketball and singing in the glee club. He received an accounting degree from the University of Illinois in 1963. Here he met his best and lifelong friend, Marty Nathan. Shortly after, he served in the Army during the Vietnam War. He always downplayed his role there since he was not in combat but served his country all the same. In 1967, Jim met the love of his life, Jeanie. They raised two children, Marty and Ashley in Chicago, Ill. When Jim wasn’t working, he enjoyed gardening and watching his son Marty play baseball. Jim ended his career in accounting as the CFO at Enterprise Systems where he retired early. Jim and Jeanie retired to Beulah, Colo. in 1999 where they built a beautiful home and Jim’s gardening skills flourished. He was even presented with the 1st “Habitat Hero” award in 2008 at the Xeriscape Tour of Pueblo for his low water garden.

Jim was known for his extreme honesty, integrity and positive attitude. He also had a wonderful sense of humor and knew how to never let a joke die. He loved his family more than anything. He looked forward to his daughter’s visit each summer with his grandchildren, Jack and Marley and the road trips they took throughout Colorado. He regretted not being able to watch his granddaughter Maya perform on stage but loved when she would visit each Thanksgiving. His perfect afternoon would be sitting outside in his garden, listening to a ballgame, looking at the birds and drinking a beer or two. He always liked the idea that life goes on after we die so long as people tell stories about your life and say your name. Luckily, we have lots of stories and mention him often, so he will always be with us.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Art and Ilmi and sister Barb (Bailor). He is survived and missed by his loving wife of 57 years Jeanie (née Sampson); his son Marty of Kalamazoo, Mich, daughter Ashley White of Marion, Ind. and brother Marv of Yorkville, Ill. Forever cherished by his three grandchildren, Jack, Marley and Maya. He is also fondly remembered by the Shipley family, Kerri, Steve and Lauren along with niece Carol Ackerman and nephews Keith Ray,  Kevin Ray, Mike Bailor and extended family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Thank you to everyone who has passed on condolences to our family.

Online condolences at www.MontgomerySteward.com

 

Services

Complete arrangements to be announced later:

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  1. CandleImageI will always value the times I shared with you! You are a very special soul and you will be missed!!

    With all of my love I will never forget you!! You are bright light and always will shine as you watch over your family!!

    Your smile lights up the universe!!! 🩵

  2. CandleImageI remember going to Meier’s Tavern with Jim many a Sunday. I always felt happier after our lunches. It must’ve been his infectious smile.

  3. CandleImageI’ll never forget the time Jim got my eyes checked cuz I wasn’t hitting the baseball… what we didn’t know, is that I just hadn’t learned how to hit yet.

  4. CandleImageMy dear, sweet, funny, loyal, honest, best friend. How I will miss you. But I have your/our Jeanie to speak with and talk to. I know I will think of you every day. With all my love and respect and admiration, I am your best friend always.


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