Obituary of Jimmie Blaine Ray

Jimmie B. Ray, age 75, of Garnett, Kansas, passed away on Saturday, September 15, 2018, at the Olathe Hospice House in Olathe, Kansas.

Jimmie was born on October 13, 1942, in Butterfield, Missouri. He was the first son and middle child of Blaine and Lorraine (Pennell) Ray. His family moved to Olathe when Jimmie was a young boy. He attended school in Olathe, graduating from Olathe High School in 1960. He then attended Pittsburg State University. Jimmie was united in marriage to Jeanie Branton on May 5, 1962 at the First Christian Church in Garnett. This union was blessed with four children. Jimmie was veteran of the Viet Nam War, serving in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1968. He served two tours in Viet Nam, as a guard to General Cole in Saigon. In 1975 they made their home near Scipio, where they lived out the rest of their lives.

Jimmie worked as a carpenter, he loved his time as a cabinet maker, but framing houses became his primary work. Jimmie built countless houses in the Kansas City area including many for family and close friends. In 1989 his health no longer allowed Jimmie to work as a carpenter so he traded his carpentry tools for his beloved cattle. This also allowed him time to spend with his grandchildren before they entered school. He especially loved visiting his Scipio neighbors while he made his rounds.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Patty Nalley; and one brother, Jerry Ray.

Jimmie is survived by his wife, Jeanie Ray, of the home; two sons, Mike Ray and wife Lisa of Gardner, Kansas, Todd Ray and wife Amy of Ottawa, Kansas; two daughters, Jayme Secrest and husband Shawn of Scipio and Traci Burkdoll and husband Josh of Garnett; seven grandchildren, Hailie, Hannah, Blaine, Tyler, Cayden, Cayleigh and Ava; and two step-grandchildren, Ruth and John.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM, Wednesday, September 19, 2018, at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel, Garnett. Burial will follow in the Garnett Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Olathe Hospice House and left in care of the funeral home. In lieu of a visitation prior to the funeral service, the family invites relatives and friends to join them at a Celebration of Jimmie's Life at the Scipio Knights of Columbus Hall at 12:00 PM, Saturday, October 13, 2018 (Jimmie's birthday).

Condolences may be left for the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com