James “Jimmy” D. Ray

James D. “Jimmy” Ray 74, of Centralia passed away Friday, January 20, 2023, in his home with his family by his side in Centralia. He was born on July 4, 1948, the son of Darrell and Bertha (Rhynes) Ray in Centralia. He married his sweetheart, Pamela Eagan on September 20, 1970, in Centralia and they enjoyed almost 50 years of marital bliss with each other before her passing on February 18, 2020. 

Survivors include his beloved children, David J. Ray of Centralia, and Debra Plummer (Robert) of Centralia; precious grandchildren, Brittany Williams (Aaron Stuehmeier), and Tobias “Brandon” Williams (Brooke Oller), and Gesleigh Plummer; treasured great-grandchildren, Hayden, and Rhyver James; brothers, Robert Ray (Sally), Michael Ray (Carol), and Terry Ray of Centralia; sisters, Carolyn Shaffer (Donnie), and Linda Crist; and many nieces and nephews.

Mr. Ray was preceded in death by both his parents, Darrell and Bertha (Rhynes) Ray; sister, Janie Hodge; and brother, Gerald “Jerry” Ray.

Mr. Ray was fortunate to work for three great companies in his lifetime, Valley Steel Products Company, L.R. Trucking, and Kevin W. McClain Investigations. He owned and operated James Ray Tax Service in Central City for over twenty years. Jimmy was of Southern Baptist Faith and loved to share the word of the Lord. He will always be remembered for his easy way with people, as he never met a stranger and treated everyone as a friend. Jimmy was a true St. Louis Cardinal’s fan who enjoyed cheering them on to a win, be it from the stands or the comfort of his favorite chair. He was grateful for his athletic talents while playing a round on the golf course. Jimmy looked forward to a good game of Texas Hold’em hoping his eyes didn’t give away his good hand while playing for fun, with family and friends, or when he would smile before telling a story. He was an amazing husband to his wife, Pamela and they shared many great adventures, on road-trips, going out to dinner, and playing bingo. Jimmy loved to hear his grandkids call out for Grandpa or PaPa Jim, taking time to show them his love. Jimmy will be remembered for his friendly smile, and contagious laugh, kind heart, love for his Lord and his family.

A celebration of life service will be held at 12:00 P.M. Wednesday, January 25, 2023, at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia with James McClain officiating. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in rural Sandoval. Relatives and friends are welcome to a visitation time from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service Wednesday at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia with James McClain officiating. Memorials may be made in Jimmy’s honor to Boy’s Town or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Online condolences and memories of Jimmy may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com.

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