Obituary of James Anw Ray

James Andrew Ray, 85, of Cortland passed away August 28, 2011at the Cortland Care Center. He was born November 22, 1925, son of the late Timothy and Florence (Watkins)Ray. He has been a lifelong resident of Cortland. James graduated from St. Marys High School, then joined the Navy where he served as a gunners mate until 1946. James worked for the United States Postal Service as a mail currier for many years until his retirement in 1987. His memberships included VFW and St. Marys Church. He was an avid golfer, hunter, fisherman, and enjoyed bowling and playing cards. He is survived by his wife of 64 years Elberta (Ulshoeffer) Ray, his children Susan (Gary) Jones of Round Lake, Barbara (Jake) Stomieroski of Saratoga Springs, Mary Beth Ray (Rocky Offner) of California, Rebecca (Skip) Vickery of Saratoga Springs, daughter-in-law Mary Ray of Cortland, sister Jane Caughey of South Carolina, along with 10 grandchildren Karianne Jones, Katelyn Jones, Sarah Stomieroski, Erin Fenton, Benjamin Ray, Jessica Ray, Emily Trombley, Chloe, Jacob, and Andrew Vickery, and several nieces and nephews. James is predeceased by his son Michael, brother Ted, sisters Nancy Brown and Mary Adams. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 am Thursday at St. Marys Church Cortland. Interment will follow at St. Marys Cemetery. Friends may call Wednesday from 5-7 PM at Wright-Beard Funeral Home, 9 Lincoln Ave., Cortland, NY. Those wishing to make contributions in James name may consider VFW Foundation Programs 406 W. 34th St. Kansas City, MO 64111 To offer on line condolences visit www.wright-beard.com Ray Family, We are sorry to hear of James' passing. He was a good man and will forever live in your hearts. I will always remember eating his vast variety of Christmas candy from his route customers. You could tell how much he was liked, the room was full of Christmas candy. I thought I was at a Candy Convention. That is one of my good memories. May your happy memories comfort you. Kim Daghita, Pauline Daghita, & Tim Guido