James Howard Ray

      James Howard Ray, 77, of Roseville, passed away January 29, 2024 after a long, well-fought battle with cancer. His final moments were spent peacefully in his home in Brookville, surrounded by family. 

     Known for his wry sense of humor and “one-of-a-kind personality”, he will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Jim asks that he be remembered for the fun he brought to others in life, not the sadness of his passing. 

     Born in Brookville on March 31, 1946, he was the son of the late Howard “Porky” and Alberta “Toots” Ray. 

     Jim graduated from Redbank Valley High school and earned an associate’s degree from Pittsburgh Institute for Drafting. He retired from Erdman Anthony Associates of Mechanicsburg after 30 years of service as a Construction Inspector, Project Manager, and Consultant. Where he was mentor, friend, and somewhat of an icon, known for great pranks and fun. He also served earlier as a C&K Coal operator, Karl Drilling operator, and Inspector for PennDOT. 

     He enjoyed hunting, tooling around on his golf cart or lawn mower, and being with people he cared about, especially when sharing a shot of peach Crown Royal. 

     On Valentine’s Day 1986 he married the love of his life, Carole “CJ” Ray of Brookville, happily blending their lives and their children’s lives together for the following 38 years. 

     Jim is survived by his wife, Carole; his children: Matt (Tammy) Ray of Brooksville, Florida; Misty Ray of Strattanville, Tammy (Mike) Anderson of Brookville, and Tonya (Don) Mester of Homer City; grandchildren:  Ryley Ray, Madison Ray, Drew (Reina) Anderson, Kyle (Hannah) Anderson, Sai (Jayson) Velez, Kaitlyn Anderson, and Tyler (Shayna) Mester, and great-grandchildren: Sadie, Olivia, Logan, Cadence, Wyatt, Helen, Eric, Sarah, Giannie, Jayda, Sarina, and Aubrey.

     He is also survived by his brother, Charlie Ray; siblings-in-law:  Ted (Nancy) Fox, Marsha (Terry) George, Deb (Ron) Hillard; nephews:  Mike Carlson, Jeff Carlson, Cody Carlson, Clint (Darlene) Ray, Kevin (Lisa) George, and Jason (Marissa) Lawrence; nieces:  Janey Fox, Becky (Mike) Gaston, Michelle (Rich) Rausch, Markelle (Bryan) Blair, and Bria (Don) Millar.

     In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by a sister, Barbara Carlson; brothers-in-law: Swede Carlson and Mike Lawrence; mother-in-law, Betty Oaks; niece, Jamie Ray, and nephew, Scott George. 

     Friends and family will be received from 4-7 p.m.  Friday, February 2, 2024 and from 10-11 a.m. Saturday, February 3, 2024 at the Roseville Independent Chapel, 3598 Route 322, Brookville.

      Funeral service will follow on Saturday at 11 a.m. with Pastor Jim Fillhart officiating.

      Interment will follow in the Roseville Bethel Cemetery. 

     In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in the name of James H. Ray to the Roseville Independent Chapel, 3598 Route 322, Brookville, PA 15825; Corsica Fire Company, 210 Main Street, Corsica, PA 15829, or a charity of choice. 

     Online condolences may be sent to Jim’s family at www.rupertfuneralhomes.com

    Arrangements are under the direction of the Rupert Funeral Home and Cremation Service of New Bethlehem.

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