Mr. Johnny Ray James, 59, entered into eternal rest on August 18, 2016. He was born in Malvern, AR on May 15, 1957 to Roosevelt and the late Illia Fay (McRae) James.As a young boy while growing up in the Mt. Willow community, he loved playing with his five siblings. As he grew older, his hobbies included horseback and motorcycle riding, playing basketball, pool, and also roaming thru the woods hunting squirrels and picking muscadines. In his adult, he had a passion for modeling for different ad agencies.Johnny Ray attended grade school at Perla. He graduated from Malvern High School in 1975.He confessed a hope in Christ at an early age at the Mt. Willow Missionary Baptist Church, Malvern, AR, and later served as a Deacon and Sunday School Superintendent.

In 1976, he enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany until 1979. After his military service, Johnny Ray became a Logging Contractor. His other occupations included being an Auto Mechanic, and a Carpenter.Known fondly by most as Ray, he possessed a quiet, but friendly spirit while always wearing a smile, never meeting a stranger. He loved and was protective of his family, not only in words but in actions as well. He showed love by donating a kidney to his Mother when she needed one.

In 1995, Ray suffered a life altering traumatic brain injury that left him confined to many hospitals and nursing homes, but in spite of the long and difficult journey, he still remained optimistic and cheerful. God saw the road had become more difficult for him to bear and HE knows when enough is enough. So on Thursday, August 18, 2016, God commissioned his angels to descend from heaven to earth to bring him home.Even though we love and will miss him, God knows whats absolutely best.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.

For as the heavens are higher than the earth,

So are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55: 8-9)

The family that Ray leave that will also one day transition from this world are:

His Father, Roosevelt James of Malvern, ARHis Four (4) Children: Troy James of Malvern, AR; Melisha Nolen of Desert Hot Springs, CA; Steven Ray James and Daaron McAdoo of Malvern, AR.Three (3) Brothers & Two (2) Sisters: Jimmy (Brenda) James of Fayetteville, North Carolina; Herbert (Alice) James, Larry James, and Lanita (Herbert) Beard all of Malvern, AR; Valita (Rev. Charles) Hood of Benton, ARAunts: Deloris Brazil, Josephine McCullough of Woodville, TX; and Lorene Dennist, Mable McGhee of Milwaukee, WI.Eleven (11) grandchildren, One (1) great grandson, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Friday, August 26, 2016 Visitation: 11:00am - 6:00pm Family Hour: 6:00pm - 7:00pm both at the funeral home. Saturday, August 27th, 2016 Funeral Service: 11:00am Victory Praise & Worship Center 404 North Banks Street Malvern, Arkansas 72104

Mr. Jamesfamily has chosen to be under the Professional Auspices of Samuel L. Vance & Sons Funeral Directors "The Epitome of Service"

501-337-0100

Samuel L. Vance & Sons Funeral Directors Memorial Chapel

Friday, August 26, 2016

11:00 AM - 6:00 PM 413 West Page Avenue Malvern, ARKANSAS 72104 Family Hour

Samuel L. Vance & Sons Funeral Directors Memorial Chapel

Friday, August 26, 2016

6:00 PM - 12:00 PM 413 West Page Avenue Malvern, ARKANSAS 72104 Funeral Service

Victory Praise & Worship Center

Saturday, August 27, 2016

11:00 AM 404 North Banks Street Malvern, AR 72104