ames “Jim” Robert Bray, 79, Cameron, Missouri, passed away Monday, January 22, 2024.
He was born June 12, 1944 in Kansas City, Missouri. He grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, before the family moved to Riverside, California. He played baseball in high school in Riverside.
Jim started college, but in 1965 he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He proudly served his country in Vietnam for two years.
Jim worked as an HVAC and electrical technician for the Federal Government Building in Kansas City. He also was a mechanic and jack-of-all-trades.
He married Kathleen Rios on January 4, 2003. She survives of the home.
Boomerang, which was his road name, was very active in the Viet Nam Vets Legacy Vets Motorcycle Club, where he served for a time as state treasurer in Missouri. He also loved extremely fast cars, including his three Cobras, and drag racing.
He enjoyed animals and being in nature, and loved family get-togethers and watching his step-grandson play baseball. He was a very sociable person who loved to laugh and always made sure everyone around him had a good time. He also belonged to the Savannah Sashayers Square Dancing Club.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include his wife of 21 years, Kathleen; stepchildren, Michael A. Crawford of Beverly Hills, California, Christopher M. Hurst of Cicero, New York, Bernadette M. Hurst of Springfield, Missouri, and Dominic G. Hurst of Rosendale, Missouri; step-grandchildren, Austin B. Hurst, Joey Crawford, Michael J. Hurst, Amanda Sue Crawford, Corben L. Hurst, Gabriel C. Hurst, and Boston T. Hurst; step-great-grandchildren, Abigail, Braylee, Andrew, Granger, Maisie, and Chesney; and half-sister, Mary Miles of Harrisonville, Missouri.
Farewell Services and Public Livestream 3:00 P.M. Tuesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Inurnment Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Higginsville, Missouri, at a later date. The family will gather with friends 1:00 to 2:30 P.M. before the service. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Viet Nam Vets Legacy Vets Motorcycle Club. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.
