James Allen Ray

James "Jim" Allen Ray, 72, passed away on December 27, 2017 after a short illness. James was born March 9, 1945 to Beverly Louise Arnold Ray and James Clark Ray in Memphis, TN. He graduated Kingsbury HS, where he set state track records, before earning a BS in engineering at the University of Tennessee. He would later complete a MS in engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology, his Professional Engineer certification, and an Executive MBA at Washington University. Work in aeronautics at McDonnell-Douglas took him to St. Louis, then to Army Aviation Systems Command (AVSCOM). He held multiple positions there over 28 years, rising to Deputy Director of Engineering, garnering in 1991 the prestigious Decoration For Exceptional Civilian Service for his contributions to Desert Shield/Storm. He also pursued an early interest in solar energy by forming a consultancy, EnerTech, and building a passive solar-heated home for his family. Following AVSCOM, he returned to the private sector at Kaman Aerospace of Bloomfield, CT. He quickly became attached to New England landscapes, history, and many local organizations.

He led a life of continuous service, expressed through groups like the Boy Scouts, where as a youth he earned the rank of Eagle Scout. As an adult he was involved in practically every level of the Scouting organization, including council, district, and National Jamboree staff, eventually being awarded the Silver Beaver. He was also active in church, and at Simsbury UMC he was both the official historian and unofficial photographer. His photos and volunteer spirit further enriched the Simsbury Land Trust, whose properties he enjoyed visiting and helping maintain. His interest in solar energy continued with a position on the town’s Clean Energy Task Force. History formed a focus for travels, including a memorable European river cruise last year to celebrate 50 years of marriage with his beloved wife Charlotte. He will be remembered for his kindness, boundless generosity, wry humor, pragmatism, and continuing curiosity.

James is survived by wife Charlotte and their two children, Katherine (Bryan) and Gregory; siblings Beverly (Brooks) Gooch and T. Brad (Nancy) Ray; and one niece and three nephews. A memorial service will be held on the morning of January 5th at Family Funeral Care. Visitation will begin at 9am, with service at 10am. Burial will be at Memphis Memory Gardens following the conclusion of the service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in his memory to the Simsbury Land Trust, Nature Conservancy, or a charity of your choice.