James Andrew Rayburn

Born in 1936 in Richmond, VA to Clarence (“Ray”) and Dorothy Cahill Rayburn (also known as “Kay-Kay”) Jim was a graduate of Virginia Tech, where he joined the Army Reserves. After graduating he moved to Greensboro, NC where he worked as an analytical chemist for Cone Mills. He later founded an independent analytical business, Guilford Laboratories.

Jim was an avid pilot, and loved to fly. He was a boat captain and enjoyed boating. He was also quite an accomplished BBQ pit master before it became popular. He established the Rayburn Pig Pickin’ in 1968 which was held annually for 50 years. Jim lost his first son, Bob in 1992.

He is survived by his wife Sally, two sons-Steve and Dick and daughter Ginny Craft. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Stephany, Kelly, and Hannah Rayburn, as well as Andrew, Samantha and Sarah Kate Craft. Jim’s surviving siblings are brother Tom Rayburn (wife Susie) and Jim’s sister Peggy Ma.

A memorial service will be held at Well Spring Retirement community at 10:00am, February 20, 2019

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Jim Rayburn can be made to NC ZOO Society, 4405 Zoo Parkway Asheboro, NC 27205 or online www.nczoo.com/honorariums-and-memorials/