James Raymond "Ray" Moreland

James was born on October 13, 1937 in Mt. Sterling, Illinois. He was the son of Robert E. and Goldie (Bowen) Moreland. He was married to the love of his life Kathryn Behm on March 14, 1959 in Peoria, Illinois. She survives.

Also surviving are children, Kathryn Marie (Michael) Michels of Middletown, PA. , Julie Ray (fiancé Gene) Moreland of Charlotte, North Carolina and Penny Ray (Adam) Zimmermann of Brimfield, Illinois. He has eight grandchildren, James Raymond Michels, Matthew Jacob (Brandi) Michels, Andrew Joseph (Nan) Michels, Tim Gunzenheiser, Brad Gunzenheiser, Kyle Gunzenheiser, A.J. Zimmermann and Zach Zimmermann. He has three great grandchildren, Hailey Diane and Matthew Gerard Michels and Kayleianne Gunzeheiser. James has two sisters, Mary Ellen (David) Suver, Eva Mae (Dave) Hewitt and one brother, Greg (Vicky) Moreland. Also surviving are his precious gifts from his wife, two yorkies Jasmine and Pixie.

He is preceded in death by two daughters, Deborah Dawn and Charlotte Rose Moreland, and three brothers, Robert, Bruce and Billy Moreland.

He was a retired machinist from Caterpillar Inc. and a retired mail carrier for the U.S. Post Office. At the time of his death he worked at the Ocala Star Banner who were his second family. He was an Army veteran serving from 1962 to 1966.

Funeral services will be Friday, September 26, 2014 at 11:00 AM at the Davison Fulton Bartonville Chapel. Rev. Michael Jones will officiate. A visitation will be one hour prior to services on Friday at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Swan Lake Memory Gardens, Peoria, Illinois with military rites. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or PAWS. You may create an online condolence at www.davison-fultonbartonvillechapel.com.