James A. Bray, 81, of Bergholz, OH, passed away March 4, 2017 at Trinity Medical Center West, Steubenville.

He was born January 4, 1936 in Salineville, OH, a son of the late James Ellis and Mary (Brown) Bray.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, Martha Bray Roome.

In June 1959, he graduated from Fenn College of Chemical Engineering in Cleveland.

He worked for Weirton Steel for 32 years as a technical supervisor in the materials utilization department, and James had 17 US patents.  In addition to Weirton Steel, he worked on his farm in the evenings and weekends.

James was a member of Salineville Lodge #348 for 50 years where he was a Past Master. He also belonged to Carroll Chapter Eastern Star #315 for 50 years where he was a Past Patron, AASR Steubenville 32°, Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons of Ohio-Minerva Chapter 123, Aladdin Shriners, and Steubenville Shriners.

He was an avid fisherman and hunter.

James is survived by his wife, Karen Mabel (Hanson) Bray whom he married on November 14, 1959; children, James M. Bray of Salineville, Karen S. Fraley of Worthington, and Sharon K. (Mike) Saunders of Smithfield; grandchildren, Julie M. Saunders, Zachary Fraley, Nicholas Fraley, and Jake Saunders; and niece, Deri (David) Doak.

Friends will be received on Monday from 5-8 PM with Masonic Services at 7:30 PM at the Everhart-Bove Funeral Home, 285 Second St., Bergholz.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 11:00 AM at the funeral home.

Burial will follow at Bergholz Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to BRASS.
Send condolences online at www.everhart-bovefuneralhomes.com

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