James E. Ray

James E. Ray, residing in Mishawaka, IN, passed away at 7:10 p.m. Friday, November 25, 2016 at Creekside Village in Mishawaka. He was born November 27, 1932 in South Bend, IN to Joseph and Goldie (Wileman) Ray, and has remained a lifelong resident of this area.
  On October 3, 1964, in South Bend, IN, he married Bettijean Hayes, who preceded him in death on May 23, 2005. He is also preceded in death by his parents and siblings; Lela Lisi, Rosemary Giles, Joseph Ray, Jr., John Ray, and Violet Ray.
  He is survived by his children: Sara Jurkiates and James Ray II both of South Bend, IN, Vinson (Lori) Ray of Constantine, MI, and Diana (Chris) Williams of Mishawaka, IN. He has five grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and siblings; Louella Reidenbach of Valparaiso, IN, Phyllis Hendrickson of Mishawaka, IN, Shirley Labadie, Erma Berridge, and Virginia “Sis” DeGraff all of South Bend also surviving.
  James spent most of his working years in the construction industry, many of those years working with concrete. He was a member of the Democratic Club in Roseland, he also enjoyed playing euchre and poker. He was the family “fix it” man. He had an awesome sense of humor, lifting everyone’s spirits with a quick joke.
  Funeral services for James E. Ray will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 30, 2016, at Palmer Funeral Home-River Park, 2528 Mishawaka Ave., South Bend, IN 46615. Burial will follow at Southlawn Cemetery in South Bend. The family will receive relatives and friends from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. 
  Memorials contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 130 Red Coach Dr., Mishawaka, IN 46545 or the Center for Hospice, 506 W. South St., South Bend, IN, 46601. Online condolences may be left for the family at palmerfuneralhomes.com.

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