Ray, as he was known to family and friends, was born to Norban and La Vellon Kinsey on September 23, 1938 in Ola, Arkansas.
James Ray grew up in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He graduated from Hot Springs High School in 1957 where he was a Trojan football star (#32). He was also a member of the Troubadour Choir. Ray followed in his father’s footsteps by becoming a heavy equipment operator. He passed his talent and knowledge to his son, Russell, who carries on the legacy of running a crane and other heavy equipment. Ray was very proud of that.
Ray was a long time Elks member, loved to fish, ride his tractor, and work in his shop. He loved his family and cared selflessly for his wife until her death in December 2022. He was the owner of Kinsey Crane and Rigging, and worked on many projects in Central Arkansas and across the country. He constructed Degray Dam, CHI St. Vincent’s, National Park College, and worked on Nuclear One in Russellville. Ray was a longtime member of the International Union of Operating Engineers. Throughout his career as an operator, he took many young operators under his wing and mentored them. They still have respect for him to this day.
He leaves behind his four children and a host of extended family. Debra Kinsey, Brett Kinsey (Peggy), Russell Kinsey (Darla), Elecesha Enloe (Chris). Eight Grandchildren: Lauren Bunn (Buck), Eric Oberste (Mel), Alex Oberste, Amelia Hernandez (Zach), Ali Keith (Jared), Ben Enloe, Amanda Autran (Wesley), and Tanner Kinsey (Amanda). Nine Great Grandchildren: Arlie and Jackson Bunn, Jonah Uctenberg, Parker, David and Mateo Hernandez, Reese Rose and Henry Jon Kinsey, and a new little baby, Quinn Monroe Keith.
James Ray is predeceased by his wife Kathern Kinsey, his brother and best friend Jerry Kinsey, and his parents Norban and La Vellon Kinsey.
The Kinsey family will host a funeral service Monday, September 11, 2023 with Bro. John McCallum officiating. Visitation begins at 9:00am with the service beginning at 10:00am. Graveside service at Crestview Memorial to follow.
Pallbearers are Brett Kinsey, Russell Kinsey, Eric Oberste, Alex Oberste, Ben Enloe, and Jared Keith.
Honorary Pallbearers include Dr. St. John, Dr. Kota, Michael Broderick, and Jimmy House.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grossfuneralhome.com for the Kinsey family.
