As the former owner of Cotten Funeral Home, James Ray selflessly served our community and was a trusted friend to countless families for more than 5 decades.
James Ray answered the call to funeral service way back in 1967 at the tender age of 17 years old. Following his apprenticeship, he attended the Kentucky School of Mortuary Science, where he graduated from in 1973.
James Ray purchased Cotten Funeral Home from the Cotten Family over 40 years ago and he, along with his sweet wife Carolyn, continued the tradition of caring and compassionate service on the values of Dignity – Integrity – Respect.
He passed those values on to his son, the late Jimmy Odham and his wife, Crystal, who both joined the business to carry on the legacy. James Ray also instilled those values in countless others throughout the years, teaching and training apprentices, and providing opportunities for aspiring funeral directors to obtain their education and realize their calling in funeral service as well.
Although James Ray passed the torch of the day to day operations on several years back, his influence and the values of Dignity – Integrity – Respect continued to be Cotten’s guiding light. He always made himself available to listen and give advice. Families would still call on him when they needed guidance at their time of loss. And many in the profession looked up to him as a mentor and a shining example of what funeral directors should aspire to be.
James Ray not only gave his time and efforts to those at Cotten but he also freely gave his time and expertise to funeral service professionals all over the United States. He served on the Advisory Board for Keystone Group Holdings for 12 years. He was also serving currently on the Service Corporation International Advisory Board and was the visionary to begin the Dignity Awards for Excellence, a national program to promote excellence in community service and innovation in the funeral service profession.
Along with his professional achievements, James Ray was also a member and Past Exalted Ruler of New Bern Elks Lodge # 764, Doric #568 Masonic Lodge, New Bern Scottish Rite Bodies, New Bern York Rite, Sudan Shrine and New Bern Shrine Club and was a licensed Auctioneer.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin T. Odham, Sr. and Doris B. Odham and son, James Ray “Jimmy” Odham, Jr.
James Ray is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn Wilson Odham of the home; brother, Benjamin “B. T.” Odham, Jr. and wife, Paula of New Bern; sister, Joanne O. Norman and husband, Jerry of Ernul; two grandsons, James Odham III and Matthew Odham; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. at Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at Cotten Funeral Home Chapel followed by a committal at Greenleaf Memorial Park Lakeside Chapel. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, December 14, 2021 at Cotten Funeral Home from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Online condolences may be made to the Odham family at www.cottenfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are under the direction of Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory.
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