James Webster (Jim) Bray, Sr.

Funeral services for James Webster (Jim) Bray, Sr., 84, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, July 21, 2023, in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  

Mr. Bray passed away peacefully in his home on Tuesday, July 18, 2023.  

Jim was born in West Plains, Missouri, to Carl and Lula Bray of West Plains, and was one of the last survivors of sixteen children.  He was raised in Greely, Colorado, and joined the United States Air Force in 1956 at the age of seventeen.  Jim had three children with his first wife and re-married to Francis Bridgers in November of 1986.  Jim loved his country, his nation, but most of all he loved his family.  While in the Air Force, Jim traveled all around the world to just about every country.  He flew in many of the best aircraft Cargo Carriers, including his favorite as Chief Load Master of the C141 Star Lifter, along with having over 200 jumps, one where he exchanged a snake in mid-air bringing him and another to safety.  Jim was a lifetime member of the Am Vets Post 98 here in West Plains, as well as District Commander.  He was a helpful hand in bringing the Honor Guard to West Plains, the Am Vets Memorial, and many other special events for this community.  Jim also loved his sports, coaching golfing, softball, and volleyball in the Military.  As all of us know Jim grew up in the church and decided to give his heart to the Lord a few years ago, having been one of the oldest ever to be baptized at Endurance Church.  He gave his all to his Country, our Veterans, and to his family.  He wanted all to know that he was feeling the best he’d ever felt in life, and, of course, we all knew he was so full of life.  He was so proud of the accomplishments he had made, and if he could do it, that anyone else could do it, too.  His love will be in our hearts forever, as well as the memories we cherish.

Jim is survived by one daughter, Dora Ellen Bray of Branson; three granddaughters, Brittany K. Harper of West Plains, Haley Marie Sheets of Branson, Missouri, and Victoria Summer Magilke of Atmore, Alabama; and four great-grandkids, Aubrey, Kambri, John Thomas, and Holdyn Marie, with another one expected to be here this year.

He is preceded in death by two children, Robin Renee Bray and James Webster Bray Jr., his mother, Lula Eldora Porter-Bray, his father, Carl Coatney Bray, nine brothers, and six sisters.

Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be at Galloway Cemetery.