James Hanlon Ray

April 30, 1929- December 27, 2017

Jim Ray was born in Burlington, MA on April 30, 1929, to Earl Wesley and Francis (Hanlon) Ray. He was the eldest of three and was raised on The Ray Farm in Burlington MA with his siblings, Bill, Pearl, and cousin, Bobby. Jim had a youth filled with the simple adventures and hard work on the farm that shaped who he was to become as an adult.

Jim graduated from Woburn Memorial High School in 1948, joined the National Guard and began his long career in sales. Initially he sold shoes and orthotics at Bond Shoes in Woburn, MA. Later, his sales career moved into paper products with Dixie/Marathon.

Jim married Cynthia Ann Finethy on April 17, 1953. Together they raised three sons, Mark, Stephen and Jeffrey. Jim’s work with Dixie kept the adventures coming, moving him and Cynthia first to Manchester, Connecticut, Chicago, Illinois, and then to Houston and finally, Plano, Texas. Jim and Cynthia were always up for the challenge of a move, and Jim always looked back on these decisions with gratitude for the opportunities it gave his sons and for the wonderful friends they made along the way.

With the boys grown and on their own adventures, Jim and Cynthia retired to “the boat” on Lake Texoma, where they met more friends and could enjoy long days in the sun and evenings anchored in quiet coves. However, the adventure continued and Jim and Cynthia moved to Florida, golfed and enjoyed the friendships they made there. Sadly, Cynthia died in February of 2005, and Jim eventually sought the warmth of his family, and moved to Chapin, SC, to be close to his son, Steve, and his family. Jim enjoyed his final years happy and content, attending his beloved Salem United Methodist Church, and reflecting on his rich life.

Jim is survived by his three sons, Mark, Steve (Ellen), and Jeff (Sheri); seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He leaves a legacy of hard work, determination and love. He will be remembered as Jim Ray, the Ray of Sunshine.

A Celebration of Jim’s Life will be held at 11:00am Saturday, January 13, 2018 at Salem United Methodist Church, 1321 Salem Church Rd. Irmo, SC. 29063

Memorials may be sent to Agape Hospice, 128 Library Hill Ln, Lexington SC 29072. The family is grateful for their loving care and support. There will be a Memorial service in Woburn MA at a later date.