James "Michael" Ray, 60, of Garrett, Indiana, passed away Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was born to Donna Kay Olsen and James Eckford Ray on March 12, 1963 in Elkhart, Indiana. He worked for Three Rivers Ambulance Authority in the 1990's, then became a paramedic working with Lutheran EMS in Warsaw for several years prior to his ALS diagnosis and treatment. He attended Trine University, previously known as Tri State University in 1996. He was passionate about riding and taking care of his motorcycles, skydiving and was also an avid competitor in martial arts.
Survivors include his wife, Sheryl Ray of Garrett, IN, children; Leah Carmichael of Tennessee, James Ian Ray, Tennessee, Bailey Alexandria Ray, Indiana, Nadia Ray, Ohio; three grandchildren, siblings; Renee Miller, Illinois, Denise Rodewald, Florida, Steven Ray, Indiana, David Ray, Florida, Jared Horvath, Michigan, Jason Horvath, Alabama, James Ray Jr., Michigan, his beloved uncle, Roger McGuire, beloved aunt, Gayle Haws and his mother Donna Olsen Cooper, Garrett, IN.
He was preceded in death by his father, James Eckford Ray.
A memorial service will be held at the Auburn Moose Lodge on February 10, 2024 at 3 p.m.
Memorials are preferred to the ALS Association, 1300 Wilson Blvd., Suite 600, Arlington, VA 22209 or the DeKalb Humane Society, 5730 Co. Rd. 11A, Auburn, IN 46706.
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