James E. Bray

Highmarket- James E. Bray, 70, of Byrons Corner Road, husband of Anita, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, March 28, 2020, at SUNY Upstate Medical Center, Syracuse, NY. Affectionately known as Jim, he was born on August 3, 1949, in Stroudsburg, PA, a son of Floyd and Marie Engler Bray. Jim grew up in Pen Argyl, PA, where he graduated from Pen Argyl High School, with the Class of 1967. He was a member of the Grace United Methodist Church of Pen Argyl. Following in his dad's footsteps, Jim was a very talented natural born mechanic. At the age of 15, he began employment, in his family owned Bray's Sunoco Service Station, in Pen Argyl. From 1968, until his honorable discharge in 1973, Mr. Bray served his country in the U.S. Naval Air Reserves, where he was an aircraft mechanic, specializing in jet engines. During his military service, he continued his employment with his father. Jim and his father became partners in the garage business and later he purchased the business. On January 15, 1972, James was united in marriage with Anita L. Gloss, at the Pen Argyl Lutheran Church. Over the years the couple and their family made frequent wintertime trips to Highmarket, where they enjoyed snowmobiling. In 1999 they moved to their present home on Byrons Corner Road. Soon afterwards, James founded Bray's Auto Sales and Repair, in the former Town of Highmarket garage, in the hamlet of Highmarket. He was operating his business at the present time. Jim's favorite activity and hobby was performing his wizardly skills as a mechanic. He was also a very adept builder, plumber and electrician who constructed their home at Highmarket. In addition to his wife, of 48 years, Anita, Jim is survived by two daughters, Alisha Smith and her husband, Brian and their children; Brandon and Alexis; Pamela L. Bray and her spouse, Jerry Van Nest, Rome. There will be no calling hours at the present time. His arrangements are in care of Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. 143 Schuyler St. Boonville.