Mr. Bobby Ray James

Adams announces the passing of Mr. Bobby Ray James, 73, who transitioned on Wednesday, August 17, 2022 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 Am, Friday, August 26, 2022 at Zion Chapel AME Church located 621 New Orleans St. Hattiesburg, MS 39401.

Mr. Bobby Ray James was born on December 14, 1948, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. He was the
youngest child born to the late Jim James, Sr. and Annie Mae James. He departed this life on
August 17, 2022, at the Columbia Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center of Columbia, MS, where
he was a patient for several years.
Bobby Ray attended Grace Love Elementary School and L. J. Rowan High School. He was a
member of the L. J. Rowan class of 1967. After high school, he attended the Career Academy of
Broadcasting where he earned a certificate in Sports Broadcasting.
As a youngster, he developed a love of sports that continued throughout his life. He enjoyed his
years as a pitcher and outfielder for the Barnes Cleaners Little League Baseball Team. After
high school, he became the play-by-play announcer for the Hattiesburg Black Sox semi-
professional baseball team. He also provided sports commentary for a local radio station.
Along with his entire family, Bobby Ray was a dedicated member of Zion Chapel A. M. E.
Church where he participated in all the youth activities, especially the Young People’s Division
of the Women’s Missionary Society and the youth choir. As an adult, he was a member of the
senior choir. He was known for his affectionate smile and peaceful spirit.
Throughout his life, and even during his lengthy illness, Bobby Ray enjoyed praising God. He
was not bashful about sharing verses of his favorite hymns and spirituals with his caregivers and
fellow patients at the Healthcare Center.
Left to cherish the memory of his life include his brothers Arthur James (the late Mary, Carolyn &
Marilyn) of Kathleen, GA; John Lee James (Edna) of Omaha, NE; and Robert Earl James
(Shirley) of Savannah, GA; brother-in-law, Ralph Ruffin Lindsey, Sr. of Hattiesburg, MS; thirteen
nieces and nephews – Michael Renwick James (Tanarra), Cypress, TX; Tiffany Dorn Milbourne-
James, Kathleen, GA; Victoria Agbobu, Grand Terrace, CA; Vivian (Aaron) Agbobu, Redlands,
CA; Dr. Leticia Anne Lindsey, Janice Elizabeth Lindsey and Ralph Ruffin Lindsey, II, all of
Atlanta, GA; Gregory DeWayne James (Shelly), John Lee James, II, and Christopher Gabriel
James, all of Omaha, NE; Robert Earl James, II, Atlanta, GA; Anne Camille James Gennaio
(Alfio), Sunnyvale, CA; Rachelle Elizabeth James Gregory (Frederick), Savannah, GA; and a
host of grand nieces and nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Two of his siblings, Dr.
Jimmie James, Jr. (Carrie) and Elease James Linsey (Ralph, Sr.) as well as his foster brother,
Jerry Malcolm Whitsett, preceded him in death.
“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the
Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 5: 19-20 (NIV)

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