James Ray Cryer
James Ray Cryer, 77, passed away peacefully at his home in Ennis, Texas, on Monday, January 3, 2022, surrounded by his loved ones. James was born in Ennis, Texas on September 10, 1944, to William F. and Annie Mae (Abbott) Cryer. He grew up in Ennis and graduated from Ennis High School in 1963. He then went on to attend college at Navarro Junior College in Corsicana, Texas, before transferring to East Texas State University in Commerce, Texas. He proudly served his country in the United States Army National Guard before being Honorably Discharged. He married the love of his life, Judy (Alford) Cryer on August 30, 1975.
James wore many hats during his career from working as a switchman for the Southern Pacific Railroad to his time at Gibson’s Discount Center where he worked as a sales associate before working his way up to management. He finished out his career as a Customer Service Representative at Ennis Business Forms, retiring after 25 years of service to the company. After retirement, he managed his rental property business, J&J Properties that he and his wife, Judy worked tirelessly to forge.
James was committed, whole-heartedly to all his interests and hobbies. He enjoyed any sport you could name and was a huge Texas Longhorn fan. He loved hunting, fishing, taking care of his longhorns, working around his ranch and would often find himself on an arrowhead search while he was out for a hunt at his deer lease in Lometa, Texas. He had a love for trains and was an avid coin collector. You could also catch him most evenings watching and old Western movie. He also enjoyed the time he spent cruising around the streets with his wife “checking things out.” But none compared to the enjoyment he had during the time spent at his family’s sporting and performance events. He was a member of the I.O.O.F. Lodge and served as president of the Ennis Lionbacker Athletic Booster Club. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior as a teenager at Tabernacle Baptist Church and attended Foundation of Life Church.
James is survived by a host of family and friends, including -- his wife of 46 years, Judy; daughter, Tish Bouska, and husband Clint; son, Daryl Spence, and wife Chelsey; grandchildren RaeAnne and Paul Jones, Justin Spence, Josef Aquino, and Edward Spence; great-grandchildren, Ayden and Lorelei Jones; brother, Billy Cryer; and sister-in-law, Pat Cryer, wife of brother, Herman.
James was preceded in death by his parents, William F. and Annie Mae (Abbott) Cryer; sister, Marie Cryer; brothers, Charlie Cryer, Raymond Cryer, Buddy Cryer, and Herman Cryer; and mother-in-law, Crecy Alford.
As James had a great love for animals, he also leaves behind his beloved pets who will miss him dearly – cats Kee, Boots, Luna, Lilly, Cookie and Zaz (“Big Boy”); and dogs Scooter (“Scooter Lee”) and Cashmere (“Chester”).
Visitation was held on Friday, January 7, 2022, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at J.E. Keever Mortuary.
A Celebration of Life was held at J.E. Keever Mortuary on Saturday, January 8, 2022, at 10 a.m., under the direction of Pastor Raymond Richardson Jr. Graveside service and Interment followed at Myrtle Cemetery in Ennis, Texas, immediately after, under the direction of J. E. Keever Mortuary, Inc.. Pallbearers were: Herman Cryer, Jr., Ayden Jones, Mark Simmons, Paul Jones, Aaron Naivar and Daryl Spence; Honorary Pallbearers: Billy Cryer, Clint Bouska, Justin Spence, Edward Spence, Josef Aquino, Jeff Alford and Jason Alford.
The family would like to give a special thanks to Bobbie Rowden for helping care for James over the past several months, allowing him the ability to enjoy his final days at home. Also, a special thanks to Nana Herod and the New Century Hospice staff for the comfort and care given to James and his family during his final days.
