James D. Ray, Ex-Contractor, Dead at 76

James D. Ray, pioneer Newport Beach contractor and former school board member, died Thursday after a long illness. He was 76.

Born in Marion, Kan., Ray received a bachelor’s degree in English from Washburn University in Topeka.

He served as an intelligence officer in World War II and then entered the contracting business and founded J. Ray Construction. The company built more than 2,000 homes and buildings in Orange County, including the Balboa and Newport Center libraries in Newport Beach and the Santa Ana Country Club.

Ray retired in 1980.

He was a member of the Newport Beach Elementary School Board for 10 years and served as president for two terms.

He also was a member of the Board of Freeholders that originally drafted the Newport Beach City Charter.

Ray is survived by his widow, Hazel; two daughters, Roxie Ray Bordelon and Kathy Ray Braun; two sons, James Ray and Michael Ray; a foster son, Gary Long, and eight grandchildren.

Funeral services are scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Community Church Congregational United Church of Christ in Corona del Mar with the Rev. Donald Kutz officiating. Private interment will follow in Pacific View Memorial Park.

The family requests contributions to the American Diabetes Assn. of Southern California.