Dr. James "Jim" Thomas Ray

Dr. James “Jim” Thomas Ray, age 87, of Unicoi, passed away on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at Christian Care Center of Unicoi County. He is a son of the late Lowell Ray and Berta Anderson Ray. Jim lived most of his life in Unicoi County.

He graduated from ETSU where he earned his BS Degree in Chemistry. Jim graduated from Auburn University where he earned his DVM. He was awarded the American Veterinary Medical Association Member Honor Roll Status on September 01, 2009. Jim owned and operated Ray Veterinary Clinic in Unicoi for many years before he retired.

He was an active member of Unicoi Methodist Church, and he was a member of Unicoi Ruritan.

Jim raised hunting dogs and cattle. He enjoyed hunting and growing an abundant vegetable garden. Jim was famous for growing some of the largest and most delicious tomatoes which he enjoyed giving out to his neighbors and friends. He treasured spending time with his family. 

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by one sister, Cleo Hughes and her husband, Howard.

Survivors include his loving and devoted companion for over twenty years, Sheila Jones; Teresa Parkey and her husband, Larry whom he considered his own children; Keeli Parkey and Kari Parkey Humston (Sammy), Callie and Conner Humston, whom he considered his own grandchildren and great grandchildren; two sisters: Judy Riddle and Kathy Booth (Fred); several nieces and nephews also survive. 

The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, in the funeral home chapel. Dr. Mike Pinner will officiate the 12:00 p.m. funeral service. Interment will follow in the Anderson Chapel Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Larry Parkey, Mark Ramsey, Michael Linville, Randall Masters, Holden Masters, and Jamey Shelton. Honorary pallbearers will be Aaron McLellan, Jerry Ramsey, Clyde Tipton, Larry Tittle, and Ted Hopson.

Flowers will be accepted or those wishing may make memorial contributions to one of the following: Unicoi Methodist Church, Shriners Children’s Hospital, or Unicoi County Animal Hospital. 

Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the Ray family at www.ledfordfuneralhomes.com. 

Unicoi Funeral Home, 4428 Unicoi Drive, Unicoi is privileged to serve the Ray family. (423) 743-1380.

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