James E. Ray

James Ray, 83, of Creston, died Friday, Dec. 23, 2022, at Crest Haven Care Centre in Creston, due to natural causes. Private family memorial services will be held at a later date. Burial will be in Moon Cemetery in Macksburg.

Memorials may be directed to the family. Online condolences can be given at www.powersfh.com.

James Elmer Ray, son of Eldon Eugene and Gladys Maxine (Jones) Ray was born July 10, 1939, in Creston. He attended Creston Community Schools.

Jim was united in marriage to Ina Ruth (Bressler) on Dec. 26, 1959. He worked for Purolator in Creston for many years. James also worked part-time through the years with Homer Minnick and the Atlantic Bottling Company. Jim and Ina divorced.

Following the closing of Purolator, Jim worked on the section crew for Burlington Northern Railroad. Jim found creative ways to earn extra income by driving a truck collecting salvage metal. James finally retired in 2004 when his health prevented him from working as hard as he once did.

Jim is survived by his children: Jamie (Arlene) Ray of Oskaloosa, Kansas, Rodney (significant other Roxann) Ray of Creston, David (Gwen) Ray of Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, John (Michelle) Ray of Leavenworth, Kansas, Lori (Brian) Rosch of Creston, Shelley (Alan) Sheriff of West Des Moines and Roxanne (special friend Brian) Young of Osceola; a sister Joan Medill of Eugene, Oregon; a brother Richard Ray of Creston; 37 grandchildren and 60 great-grandchildren.

James is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Don and Eldon Ray; three sisters, Shirley Ray, Pat Marquardt and Kay Johannes an infant baby; former wife Ina Ray; two brothers-in-law Bernard Johannes and Bob Medill; two sisters-in-law Cindy Ray and Jerry Ray; three nephews, Eric Ray, Jay and Bernie Johannes and two nieces Melody Ray and Jeanice (Gary) Neal.