The Rev. Dr. James L. Ray

The Rev. Dr. James L. Ray, 85, passed away Tuesday, March 9, 2010 in Franklin. He was a resident of the Franklin United Methodist Community.

Dr. Ray was born in Clarkston, Georgia and was a graduate of Emory University and its Candler School of Theology. He received his Doctorate of Theology from Boston University. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy in its V12 Chaplaincy program. Jim was married to Loma Louise Cooley Ray in 1949 and that marriage ended in 1975. He married Lynn Tandy on August 19, 1979, and she survives.

He served congregations in the North Georgia Conference, Nebraska Conference and the South Indiana Conference of the Methodist Church. His last two appointments were as chaplain at the Franklin United Methodist Community, and then as administrator of Asbury Towers in Greencastle.

An active Kiwanian for many years, Jim was the founder of the Mid-day Kiwanis Club in Franklin. He was also an active member of Christians for Peace and Justice in the Middle East and an active participant at Grace United Methodist Church in Franklin.

Left to cherish and honor his memory are his beloved wife, Lynn; children David (Vicki) Ray of Indianapolis and Rachel-Ray (J. Scott) Cleveland of Beltsville, Md.; stepchildren Chris (Kathy) Tandy of Camby, Lisa Tandy of Greencastle, Tammy (Ken) Rice of Bargersville and Doug (Jan) Tandy of Indianapolis; nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Monday at 10:30 a.m. at the Wright Chapel of the Franklin United Methodist Community, 1070 West Jefferson St., Franklin. The family will greet visitors following the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Christians for Peace and Justice in the Middle East in care of Rita Schilling, 4704 North Graceland, Indianapolis, IN, 46208, or to the Franklin United Methodist Community, 1070 West Jefferson St., Franklin, IN46131. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com.

Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center in Franklin is handling the arrangements.