Willie Ray James, 84, of Gosnell died Thursday, March 18, 2004, at his home.

He was born Nov. 18, 1919, in Kennett, the son of the late Aaron Moses and Marganie Limbaugh James.

He was united in marriage to Seena James, to this union three children were born. She preceded him in death. He then married Patsy Ann James, to this union two children were born.

Mr. James was a member of the Oak Grove Church of Christ. He was a veteran of World War II.

In addition to his first wife and parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers, Arthur Franklin James, Gladys James, David Wayne James and Billy Joe James; and two sisters, Nadie Ann Horton and Mary Belle Smith.

He is survived by his wife, Patsy, of the home; three sons, Jesse Ray James and Daniel Scott James, both of Superior, Wis., and Randall Ray James of Gosnell; two daughters, Seena Kay James Ernst of Duluth, Minn., and Tambra Speer of Pollard; three step-children, Teddy Wayne Pritchett of Chicago, Steve Pritchett of Paris, Texas, and James Charles Allen of Watts, Ark.; 10 grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Jessie James of Kennett and Charlie James of Marble Hill, Mo.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, March 22, at McDaniel Chapel in Kennett with Bro. Homer (Bud) Maxwell officiating. Music was provided by Ruby King and Jill Hooten. Burial followed in Memorial Gardens in Kennett. Active pallbearers were Gerry James, Michael James, James Edwards, George Archer, Charlie Bailey and Damon Bush. Honorary pallbearer was Wiley Hayes.

McDaniel Funeral Home of Kennett was in charge of the arrangements.