Raymond Lowell James

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Raymond Lowell James of North Little Rock, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 20, 2021, after a long battle with Alzheimers.

Born the first son of Lowell Melvin and Susie Theresa (Suehan) James on October 19, 1933.  He was a graduate of Subiaco Academy in Subiaco, Arkansas and earned his Bachelor of science in Physical Education at the University of Mississippi.  While at Ole Miss, he played left guard for coach John “Johnny” Vaught who lead the team to two Sugar Bowls in 1951 and 1954.

Ray also joined the Mississippi National Guard in 1953 and enlisted in the Army in 1956.  He was transferred to the Arkansas National Guard.

He made a career in the trucking industry with BJ McAdams and McNeil Trucking.  After retirement he continued his passion with semi-trucks by becoming a “transporter” where he assisted trucking companies in Arkansas in delivery and pick-up of their sales and trade-ins.  He continued this until he was 80.

He married Carol Countiss Kyte on December 3, 1954.  He is survived by three of his four children, Thomas Edward “Ed” James of Bradford, Rhode Island, James Countiss “Jim” James of Elaine, Arkansas and Eva Janeen “Jan” James of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He had six grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and a brother, John Edward James (Judy) of Lindsey, Oklahoma, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 19 years (Carol); a brother, Thomas Eugene James; daughter, Susan Joyce “Joy” James, and grandson Raymond Edward James.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, December 30, 2021 at Sts. Cyril and Methodious Catholic Church in Slovak, Arkansas.  

5 thoughts on “Raymond Lowell James”

  1. Kathy & Brian Dunne

    Jan and family,
    Just wanted to let you know we are thinking of you and sharing in your sadness as you remember Ray.

  2. Pam Wiley-Johnson

    I just found out of your passing and wish I could have attended the service.
    I will never forget you and sure have lots of memories of you.
    I started working with Ray in 1983 at B J McAdams, I was just 18
    I remember playing pool with him and Gaye at the old Iron Horse and loved to dance with Ray. He knew all my family and knew who I was before I found out who he was. Walter Smith and Ray had been friends probably before I was born. I know you and Walter are happy to see each other again.

  3. Pam Wiley-Johnson

    I just found out of your passing and wish I could have attended the service.
    I will never forget you and sure have lots of memories of you.
    I started working with Ray in 1983 at B J McAdams, I was just 18
    I remember playing pool with him and Gaye at the old Iron Horse and loved to dance with Ray. He knew all my family and knew who I was before I found out who he was. Walter Smith and Ray had been friends probably before I was born. My Condolences to all his family.

  4. Martha & O. C. Flynn

    So sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. He certainly is a legend, and was
    well known and liked by so many.

    John, you have to carry on now, and your family will be in our prayers.

    Martha and Oliver Flynn

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