Raymond "Ray" J. Ham

Giving, serving, creating, encouraging and light-hearted humor were Ray’s trademarks. For most of his life, he blessed others as a loyal son, brother, nephew, husband, father, papa, uncle, friend, neighbor, musician, massage therapist, artist, vocalist, mentor and follower of Jesus. Spreading joy, laughter and comfort, Ray was a person worth knowing. He loved without limits and helped all he could, starting in prayer. He asked that “God’s will be done,” even when life got hard.

Ray grew up in many states, including Iowa, Georgia, and Kansas. He graduated from Joplin Memorial High School and spent most of life in Kansas City, MO.

Instrumental and vocal music were gifts Ray loved sharing. He picked up ukulele, guitar and bass fiddle on his own while serving in the Army National Guard. He played bass for a jazz band made up of Guard buddies long after their service ended.

An eager collaborator and instigator of practical jokes and silly stunts, his humor was never unkind or conducted at another’s expense.

Ray began his 44-year career at Hallmark Cards, Inc., in the mail room and retired from his position as a senior engraver in 1999, but continued gifting time, talent and humor as an on-call engraver and volunteer at the Hallmark Visitor’s Center. During his time at Hallmark, he enjoyed singing bass with the Crown Singers and mentoring teens through the Junior Achievement Program.

Before and after retirement, Ray enjoyed doubles tennis with friends at the Northland Racquet Club; singing bass and playing bass fiddle with Faith in Him at Fairview Christian Church, Children’s Mercy Hospital, and at long-term care facilities; and playing bass fiddle with tennis buddies eventually dubbed Conga Jim and the Coconuts. He also enjoyed playing bass with The Starlighters, another jazz group.

Ray also enjoyed classical music as Kansas City Symphony season ticket holder for 25+ years.

On the side, Ray trained in deep-tissue massage to bring relief and healing to help all he could.

Throughout his heart-rending loss of autonomy and privacy to Parkinson’s, Ray’s true colors never wavered. He endured with patience, grace, and gratitude, always thanking caregivers and visitors for their time.

Preceding him in death are his parents Harold and Lillian Ham, half-sister Hazel Crissman, and nephew Michael Carey.

Ray’s wife, Kay; his sisters Carol Carey and Rose Mary Ham; children, Lisa/Roger Elliott, and Julia/Tod Sprague; grandchildren Olivia/Dexter Fletchall, and Bentley Elliott; and nephew Martin Carey are celebrating his arrival in heaven as a vibrant, healed man of God!

A celebration of Ray’s life is scheduled for 1 PM, Saturday, February 17, at Newcomer’s White Chapel Funeral Home, (6600 NE Antioch Rd Gladstone MO 64119). If you have stories about Ray’s impact on your life to share with the family, please leave them on the tribute page.

The family thanks Ascend Hospice for making Ray’s last days as enjoyable and comfortable as possible. Donations to Ascend in Ray’s honor can be left with Ray’s family or mailed to 783 NE Anderson Ln, Lee’s Summit MO 64064.