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Dr. James A. Dray DC

James Dray Obituary

Dr. James A. Dray, DC

A visitation for Dr. James A. Dray, DC, 66, Lawrence, KS will be held from 1-3 p.m. on Monday, October 6, 2014 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence. The burial will be private. He passed away Tuesday, September 30, 2014.

James was born January 10, 1948 in Brookfield, Missouri the son of Warren Wilson and Ruby Jewel (Corbin) Dray.

James graduated in 1969 from the University of Missouri with a BA in History and entered the Peace Corp for two years. He then attended and graduated from Cleveland Chiropractic College in 1976. In 1977, he started his practice, The Chiropractic Health Center in Lawrence where he worked until his death.

He was a member of the American Chiropractic Association and the Kansas Chiropractic Association. He enjoyed painting and golfing.

He married Eileen Bertels on February 9, 1979 in Lawrence, KS. She survives of the home.

Other survivors include two daughters, Melissa Dray of Nashville, TN; Amanda Dray of North Hollywood, CA; a brother, Robert Dray and his wife Anne of Holiday Island, AR; two nieces, Jennifer and her husband, Dennis Miller and Kimberly Dray; great-nephews and niece, Brandon, Nathan, Nicholas and Sydney.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Cleveland Chiropractic College, and may be sent in care of the Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Online condolences may be sent to www.warrenmcelwain.com.

Please sign this guestbook at Obituaries.LJWorld.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lawrence Journal-World on Oct. 4, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for James Dray

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Kelli

October 24, 2014

Lawrence has lost a great healer.
My heart is with the family.
My prayers meet and follow Dr. Drey.
May he continue on with the Grand Journey in happiness and joy.

Rachelle Rasing Patterson

October 20, 2014

What a sad day! I called today to make my follow-up appointment that was to be 6 or so weeks out and learned of the sad news. Dr. Dray had gotten my back, ankles, and wrists pretty much straightened out and I didn't need to come back for a while. Didn't keep up with the newspaper and so I was unaware. A great body of knowledge has passed away from us as well as a wonderful humanitarian who cared so much about others. "Ah, it's the human condition!" he would sigh. There is no replacement for his skill and compassion. My thoughts go out to his family; wife and artistic daughters who love dance. Well, your daddy was much loved around here too. He will be greatly missed in our hearts too.

Stephanie Stour

October 14, 2014

Our most sincere condolences to Eileen and girls. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time.

Patricia Graham

October 13, 2014

I just learned of Dr. Dray's passing and am in shock. I was his patient for about 5 years. I am so sorry for your loss. He was a gifted chiropractor who helped me when others could not. Moreover, he was a wonderful person.

Justine Burton

October 11, 2014

I AM SHOCKED! I was going to schedule an appt with him this week for another issue. He is the ONLY Chiropractor I have ever went to or trusted. I went to him about an accident with my back. Several doctors told me I needed back surgery. I was on several strong medications. My first appointment, I was barely walking with the assistant of a cane. We talked and he told me he wanted to get me off all those medicines. Well he pulled my legs a couple of times and that day I walked out carrying my cane. I went three more times and have not had any problems since. He will be missed. His family will be in my prayers.

Dianne Bertels Call

October 8, 2014

So sorry to hear about the sudden loss of your husband. I can't begin to know your pain but will keep your family in my prayers ad you cope during this difficult and heartbreaking time.

October 8, 2014

He was the Chiropractor that I have measured all others by.

October 7, 2014

Our deepest condolences to Eileen and the girls. We are so sorry for your loss. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

Kathy Letch

October 7, 2014

My prayers for comfort go out to all Dr. Dray's family and friends. As his patient, I know all his patients were also his friends. I've searched for a long time for a practitioner who could successfully address my pains. He had that gifted touch and a demeanor that made you smile. His parting is a dear loss to many.

Laura Torres Porter

October 7, 2014

I just heard of Dr. Dray's passing this morning. I am shocked, as well, by his suddent passing, as I had just seen him a few weeks ago and he was his normal jovial, sweet, sincere, and humorous self. I first went to Doc in l989, and he was the first person to offer me relief from daily neck pain after a whiplash injury. Ever since, he has treated me with personalized care, and, yes, as so many others have attested, Doc would always take the time to listen, chat, and help with whatever was hurting at the time. 25 years I've known him, and I can't believe I won't be able to see him again. My heartfelt condolences to his family, which he spoke of so fondly over the years. He was so proud of his girls! Doc also helped my mother tremendously. She, too, will be utterly saddened by Dr. Dray's passing. No one will ever replace him! Love you, Doc!

Jen Urish

October 6, 2014

I always told Dr. Dray he was my "miracle " worker. He will be forever missed and never replaced!

Dr. Charles Kincaid

October 6, 2014

Dr. Dray was a good patient and a great friend. His kindness and energy filled the halls of our office as he went around aligning people's backs during his appointments. We will all surely miss him here at Associates in Dentistry. Our deepest condolences go out to the family.

Chad E. Siemon, PE

October 6, 2014

Dr. Dray was a great man and a good friend! Always gentle, understanding and compassionate. He had a healing touch, a jolly laugh and was a great listener! He made the world a better place and will truly be missed!
My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to his family and ALL of his other patients! God bless!
Sincerely,
Chad

Kelsey Yankey

October 6, 2014

Dr. Dray was more that a dear friend and wonderful chiro to all of us that he put his hands on, he was a true healer in every sense of the word. I will always cary the memory of him constantly running late. You could count on him to be running behind schedule, because you knew that he had sat right down with every client that came before you that day and gave them all the time and attention that they needed to heal on many levels. There was no way to tell how long this would take with each individual, so I think I can safely say for all of us, that we were always glad to wait and wait for our turn with him.

Kent Fisher

October 6, 2014

I was fortunate to have known Dr. Dray since his early days of practice. He made a dramatic improvement in my quality of life through his treatment. I am grateful for his care through the years. Prayers to his family. He will be missed.

Tammy Magdaleno

October 5, 2014

He was a great help dealing with my headaches.. Always kind always thoughtful.. I will miss him..!!

Teresa Treanor

October 5, 2014

We are so very sorry for your loss. He will be missed by many people. He was the best Chiropractor in the world!!

October 4, 2014

Dr. James Dray was a gift to many people. He went above and beyond when it came to his patients. What a tragic loss for everyone who knew him. I'm sure he is looking down at us all watching over us. Doc - you will be greatly missed. Prayers to his wife and daughters.

Viki Peterson

October 4, 2014

A lighted candle for a person who always seemed to bring a light to others.

christine davenport

October 4, 2014

My deepest sympathies and prayers. I am still in shock. Please take care. I love you all. CHRISSY ROGERS-DAVENPORT

Viki Petersoin

October 4, 2014

To say that I will miss him would be an understatement. Not only was he the best chiropractor ever, but also such a warm, caring person -- a friend. His smile and the life discussions we had will be truly missed.

October 4, 2014

So shocked! Thought and prayers for the family! Jim was such a great Chiropractor and friend! Sharon LeClair

October 4, 2014

William kilgore

Thom Alexander

October 4, 2014

Jim wasn't just my chiropractor, he was also a friend. My visits to his office were a highlight of any given week I saw him. We did a lot of laughing and shared a lot of "Guy jokes". I will miss him Terribly.

Jeff Christensen

October 4, 2014

I was shocked and saddened when my son called with the news of his death. I looked forward to my appointments with him every time we visited family in Lawrence. I sincerely enjoyed his jovial demeanor and he was the one chiropractor that could successfully adjust me time after time. I feel fortunate to have known him and benefit from his treatment. I sincerely hope his family is able to find comfort in this difficult time. God bless.

Gary and Robin Paulsen

October 4, 2014

Eileen, Missy, and Mandy... it is with heartfelt emotions that I extend our condolences. Jim was our friend first and then the only chiropractor we ever received so much relief, knowledge, and fun from. He will be greatly missed, and always remembered. We are here for you.... please call on us if you have a need.

Preston Tempero

October 4, 2014

This thoughtful caregiver will be missed by all that he interacted with. A loving and caring practitioner that provided caring for the individual along with treatment for the conditions. I will miss him greatly as a friend and practitioner.

Penny Westgate

October 3, 2014

I am shocked with this news.I will miss him terribly. I wish comfort soon for his family.He was the best.

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Funeral services provided by:

Warren-McElwain Mortuary & Cremation Services - Lawrence Chapel

120 W 13th St, Lawrence, KS 66044

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