James Wray

Ridgemont Memorials

James Harlan Wray was born May 10, 1948, in Hamburg, Iowa, to Harlan and Beaulah (Chaney) Wray. Growing up in Cedar Bluffs, Nebraska, with his older brother Dick, Jim was an enthusiastic participant in track, basketball, concert and marching band, glee club, choir, and football. He was a member of the starting lineup of the 1965 high school state championship football team.
Jim attended CE School of Commerce Omaha and had a long career as a comptroller at various companies, but he would say his life’s greatest accomplishment was his children. Jim was a proud and loving father to Chris, Rachel, Rodney, and Matt. He thoroughly enjoyed being a grandfather to Tanner and Audrey, Ruby and Hagen, and Amara and Amelia.
Throughout his life, and especially with his children, Jim enjoyed simple pleasures such as starting his day with a crossword puzzle, ending it with a good sunset, and golfing or watching college football (or, preferably, both) in between. He was a lifelong Huskers fan, and his children grew up playing any number of sports with him in the backyard.
He moved many times as an adult and built friendships in Iowa, Arizona, Nebraska, Missouri, Washington, and Texas, often while playing 18 holes of golf and despite giving unsolicited swing advice. He was admirably close to his brother; the two talked daily, usually multiple times. Jim was kind to strangers, always quick with a joke, adoring the many dogs he had throughout his life, and inclined to sing along to any pop hit from the 1950s and 60s. Even better: he could actually sing, with a lovely tenor.
Later in his life, he reconnected with Deborah Mahrt, who played French horn while he was drum major in their high school band. Jim moved to Texas to be with Deb, and their love gave him a bonus family via Deb’s daughter Amy and her husband Shed. In his last years, as Team Wray, Deb’s tireless care of and advocacy for Jim eased the effects of his dementia and neurological disease.
Jim passed away on January 1, 2024, after a meaningful and memorable day spent with family and caregivers. Jim will be dearly missed by Dick and Karen Wray, plus niece and nephew Lynette and Chad and their families; Chris, Katie, Ruby, and Hagen Wray; Rachel and Dennis Hahn; Rod, Lydia, Tanner, and Audrey Wray; Matt, Tina, Amara, and Amelia Wray; Amy, Shed, and Tyler Donnette; extended family and friends in Nebraska and beyond; and his loving, beloved partner Deborah Mahrt.
A celebration of life will be held Monday, February 19, 12:00 noon, at Bay Oaks Country Club in Houston, Texas. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your local dog rescue or humane society.

When words can’t fully express what we want to say, sometimes a small gift can. Visit our Memorial Store for personalised gifts, keepsake jewellery and to plant a memorial tree.

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James Wray Obituary | Ridgemont Memorials