Ray James Harris, “Ray J”, age 53, died unexpectedly on Monday May 1
st
, 2017 in his home in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Ray J was born March 13
th
1965 in Wichita, Kansas. He resided there until he moved to the Phoenix area in 1984 to work as a flight attendant for America West Airlines for the next 15 years. Ray J met his wife of 18 years, Renee Harris, while they both worked for the airline. They just recently divorced January 2017.
Ray J and Renee have 2 beautiful children: Nicholas age 13 and Jane age 12.
Ray J attended Arizona State University and graduated with a B. A. in Business. He did attend ASU’s law program for a while, but then found a strong interest in commercial real estate and pursued that career until his passing. He worked at Cushman & Wakefield located in Phoenix Arizona.
He is survived by his ex-wife Renee Harris; his son Nicholas Harris; his daughter Jane Harris; his sister Margaret Harris; his brother John “Crit” Harris; sister-in-law Kelli Harris; cousin Joanne Vankeirsbilck; cousin David Harris; and Aunt Virginia.
He is preceded in death by his parents: Charles & Jane Harris and his oldest brother, Charles “Wint” Harris.
Visitation will be from 3:00 – 5:00 P.M. with a Funeral Service at 5:00 P.M. on Wednesday, May 10, 2017 at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix.
Reception following the services at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home.
Ray J will later be cremated and have his ashes spread in locations that were meaningful and special to him.