James "Skeet" Ray was born on May 25, 1966, in Oklahoma City to Wayne and Carolyn Ray and passed from this life on December 4, 2023. He spent his early years in western Kansas, before the family moved to Weatherford, Oklahoma. Skeet attended Elementary through High School in Weatherford, graduating in 1984. He excelled in sports, playing basketball, football, and baseball, and was highly active in the Weatherford Church of Christ youth group. He was very industrious, working multiple jobs from the age of 14. Skeet attended Southwestern Oklahoma State University, where he was known as "a professional student." He started as a music major and was in the choir. He completed his first degree program in 1990 but was nowhere close to being done. He completed a BS in Business and earned his teaching certificate in Business, Computer Science, Special Education, and got his certification in Social Work. From there, he went on to get his MBA. Even that was not enough; he completed his Licensed Professional Counselor program but didn't finish the clinical hours. While in college, he spent so much time at the Bible Chair that the director, Richie Hamm, just made him his own key. He led the Bible Chair's intramural programs and church league softball teams. At one point, he was the SWOSU intramural director, refereed for the OSSAA, preached, and delivered for Coca-Cola; on the side, he also had a group of guys who traveled to softball tournaments and basketball tournaments. Skeet was very adept at all kinds of sports and games, including cards, pool, bowling and ping pong; he loved anything he could compete in. He also enjoyed hunting, shooting, and fishing. But he especially loved catching catfish. Yes, he was good at that, too!

As if that wasn't enough, Skeet preached every Sunday in western Oklahoma including at congregations in Thomas, Canton, Watonga, and Corn/Colony, and others for over a decade.  He worked as a Social worker assisting people with mental health issues for a number of years.  Skeet married Machell Hamilton on December 12, 1992, in Oklahoma City, OK. They had two children, Jessa and Jayden, before moving to Mount Pleasant, Texas, where Skeet taught Special Education and Alternative School.

It was about that time that Skeet's health began to decline. It's impossible to talk about Skeet without mentioning his health problems. What started as back problems from injuries developed into autoimmune issues. For over two decades, his pain made so much of what he wanted to do impossible; however, he still continued to find ways to contribute. He spent several years helping with the YMCA in Weatherford, where he was active in the Youth in Government program.  He mentored the Weatherford chapter to be a yearly contender for national awards. He helped dozens of young people through that program; several have attributed their experiences with that program as key to success. He was notable for his ability to connect with people where they were.

Skeet is survived by his mother, Carolyn Ray of Weatherford, OK.  brother Dr. Jason Ray and wife Dr. Kathy Ray of Woodward and their children Jacquelyn Sims and husband Quentin of Oklahoma City, James Preston Ray and Jaelynn Ray of Woodward.  Daughter Jessa Jarvis, and husband, Cody with their children Charlie Wayne, Chelsea, and Callum of Moore.  His son, Jayden Ray and his wife, Kaylin of Tahlequah.  Aunt Karen White and husband Ralph of Elk City, OK.  Uncle Jerry Sanders of Oklahoma City.  He was preceded in death by his father, Wayne Ray.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the SWOSU Bulldogs for Christ.