James Curtis Ray

James Curtis Ray, 84, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, January 2, 2022. Jim was the only son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Curtis O. Ray of East Atlanta and Cumming, GA. Jim was a 1955 graduate of Murphy High School. After graduation he began working at Aetna Insurance Co. where he met his future wife, Patricia Lackey. He went on active duty with the U.S. Navy in 1956, and married Pat in 1956, his wife of 65 years. They have a daughter, Robin Foster and husband, Mark, of Dawsonville, GA; a son, Ricky James Ray and wife, Lori, of Orlando, FL. Upon returning to civilian life, he went to work for Lockheed Martin and went to Southern Technical Institute, graduating in 1971. Jim worked for Barry Spurlock Electric Co., John Matthews & Associates, Vickers Electric Co., Henry Electric Co. and retired in 2002. After retiring he bought a motorhome and he and Pat went out West for a couple of months. Later joining a camping club for the next 10 years and many trips to various places, especially Savannah, GA which they really enjoyed. Their last trip was to Nova Scotia.

During 65 years of marriage, Jim and Pat always served their Lord in several churches according to where they lived. Beginning with Eastland Road Methodist Church for 12 years in Atlanta, then Mount Carmel Christian Church in Decatur for 14 years. Upon moving to Cumming, GA they served with First Christian Church of Cumming for 18 years, where Jim was a Deacon, Elder and Chairman of the Board. They attended First Redeemer Church of 3 years. After retiring, they moved to Gainesville, GA, then Oakwood, GA and joined First Baptist Church of Gainesville for the past 15 years. Unfortunately, Jim began having symptoms of Alzheimers, which is hereditary in his family.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 5, at 11:00 a.m. at the Ingram Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Sawnee View Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory, Cumming, Georgia is in charge of arrangements