Dr. James A. Dray, DC
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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.
Dr. Dray was an amazing competent and kind practitioner. We often talked about his daughters during our appointments. His pride was obvious in their accomplishments. I send my thoughts to them and their mother.
Dr. Dray was an amazing person with a kind, loving heart. He saved me after a car accident when other doctors told me I would walk with a limp for the rest of my life and I would never be able to run again. Because of him I live pain free and I am able to run 10K races and participate in normal physical activities. He will be missed greatly. My deepest condolences to his family- Doc will be missed.
Dr. Dray was a hero to many people.
I first met him about 20 years ago. A friend referred me to him, because of his expertise in adjusting hands and wrists. I was so impressed with the way his adjustments could stop the numbness and tingling in my hands from carpal tunnel syndrome – that I sent everyone I knew to him too. But the thing that I especially loved most about him – was the fact that he took such obvious pleasure in getting to know his patients, in listening so carefully to them and truly wanting to do whatever he could to make their lives better, and of course I loved how he doted on my children.
Over the years I heard a lot about his family – especially how proud he was of his daughters, and how much joy he got out of being their father. His wife and children were the center of his life, but being a chiropractor who could reduce people’s suffering was also very important. Amazingly, I had known him over 15 years before I realized how accomplished and knowledgeable he was musically as well. He was generous with his time, always had a smile on his face and delighted in sharing information or humor that might brighten someone’s day.
Over the years we had many lively discussions about health and I frequently hounded him about his consumption of diet soda. Once I even put a skull and crossbones on his can of diet soda when he wasn’t looking and then I left the exam room. But he could always top me when it came to pranks – As I was paying my bill the scary sound of someone choking and gagging jolted my attention his direction. He was grabbing at his throat and looking like he might collapse – until he burst out in laughter upon seeing my alarm and held up the can and smiled. He really got me that time!
Our family will miss Dr. Dray, my children have known him all their lives and he had helped them so many times with many different issues. He is the only chiropractor that they have ever gone to. He was such a warm caring soul who always brightened my day and a fabulous chiropractor. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Eileen, Missy and Mandy,
I am so sorry for your loss and will keep you in my prayers. Please know many thoughts are with you. Jim was a good man and so supportive and proud of his girls. And he was my first experience with going to a chiropractor and turned me into a convert!
Sue Davison
Dr. Dray will be missed by many, and most certainly by our family. We enjoyed his company at horse shows and his professional work ethic in the chiropractic office. He cured my oldest daughter of ophthalmic migraines and supported her along side his own daughter, Mandy, at countless horse shows. The Dray family has been a very special part of our lives. Eileen, Mandy and Missy, we are very sorry for your loss. Praying for peace and comfort at this time and always.
It took working with at least 4 chiropractors over the years to finally find Dr. Dray. He listened and he knew what to do to help. He was one of only a handful of practitioners in the medical field that I (Mike) have confidently and comfortably called “Dr.” Thank you, Dr. Dray. We wish your wife and family Peace…
Eileen, Missy & Mandy,
I am truly heart broken for all of you. I know I don’t have to tell you that every time I went to be “fixed” the topic of conversation was the three of you. I feel very blessed to have watched you girls grow into such beautiful women and the smile you put on his face. He knew me better than I knew myself. I just walked in & he told me what was hurting me. He was truly one of a kind in so many ways. The truth is that my wrist has not stopped throbbed since I got the sad news. All those years of spotting tumbling & he my magic man.
I am here if you need anything. Sending love and prayers to all of you.
Dearest Eileen, as Ellie and I were walking past your home today, I couldn’t help but notice all the cars. I feared something tragic had happened, and I opened today’s paper as soon as I got home. I was shocked to see that Jim had passed away. I’m so sorry for your loss. What nice tributes people have posted on this site. Please let me know if there’s every anything I can do. If you would like to walk the dogs together sometime, please give me a shout. With sincere sympathy, Joyce Schaffer.
My heart and thoughts go out to Jim’s family. It is never easy to lose a loved one suddenly and unexpectedly. Just know that whenever we would chat, he always talked about his family and the love he had for them.
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.
Lots of love and prayers to the family. We in Clarksville, Tennessee love Missy Dray and send our condolences in the passing of Dr. Dray. May Gos bless and keep you all.
I can not put into words how this wonderful man saved not only my mother but my fathers Life as well …. We have know him for many many many years. He made house calls when no one else would come to help my parents. Dr. Dray was the most generous person we have ever known. Dr. Drays Family, I know has to be so proud of what he has done. Please know that we LOVED him Dearly as a friend but also as a Brother in Christ. He talked about his daughters and wife as if they were a rare piece….Never to be found anywhere in the world. And we believe it! We will keep you in our prayers. Know he was loved by ALL his patients… And Truly One of a Kind Man….
Eileen, I am so sorry to hear about Jim. I enjoyed our little talks we had when we were mowing at the same time. We often talked about our kids and I know he was proud of his. I am sure he will be missed
Dan and Diane Coester
My most sincere condolences to Eileen, Missy and Mandy.
Dr. Dray treated three generations of my family, he treated me personally for 24 years. He cared for me when I when I was a little girl suffering from migraines, he treated me was pregnant with my son, he treated my infant son right after he was born, he has treated my parents, my husband and innumerable friends. I am saddened at his passing beyond words. He was such a trusted part of my family we are at a great loss without him. He was so proud of Missy and Mandy and always spoke of their accomplishments. I always called him Jimmy, not as a message of disrespect but out of a sense of deep familiarity.
From my family to yours we send our love and prayers for comfort and gratitude that you shared such a remarkable man with us.
Sincerely,
Alison, Andrew and Clark Rosenbarger and Preston & Libby Tempero
We are so sorry. There are not words. Much love and many prayers
Tricia, Diego and the boys
Eileen, Mandy, and Missy,
We are so so saddened with Jim’s passing, Jim was an amazing man with all of his professsional talents and his dry sense of humor, he would make us laugh all the time! Always kinds words, always hello, a great neighbor, and we enjoyed visiting with him. Although the visits short many times, but lasting for sure! May God give you strength through this difficult time, we will be praying for all of you and your extended family. Love, Diana, Mark, Sarah, and Carl
Eileen, Mandy and Missy…I am so sorry for your loss. Dr. Dray was was such a kind and giving man. I learned so much working for him and will never forget the opportunities he gave me. He also truly cared about each and every one of his patients and was a natural healer. He is missed by many, including my family. You are all in my thoughts.
Eileen/Mandy/Missy,
I am just hearing of Jim’s passing and want you to know how sorry I am for your loss. Heaven has gained an Angel this week.
You are in my prayers.
Yvonne Winsor
Dr. Dray was a wonderful man and knowledgeable doctor. I first started seeing him a couple years ago when every doctor I went to for the last 10 years could not help me with my issues. After the first session I swore to myself that I would never see another chiropractor as long as he was in practice, he was just that good. He was always happy and joked around and I am truly going to miss this man. Thoughts and prayers to the doc’s family and may you find some peace in the stories of the many lives he touched.
I was shocked to hear the news. I had just rescheduled a 9/26 appointment to 10/1. We had recently talked about a student he had at the office. He was interested in Dr. Dray’s method and possibly joining the practice after graduation. I joked about him getting a chance to have a little time off. Didn’t want it to happen this way. Rest in peace.
Like many others who have left messages, Dr. Dray was a huge help in my life. It’s because of him that I’m able to walk and move pain-free.
Eileen and family,
Sorry for your loss, please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
God Bless
Dr. Dray was a friend, elder, healer, and like a dad in so many ways. He did amazing things with his healing skills – and touched so many lives in so many ways.
His daughters were his life, he loves you very much and told us that in just about every personal session we had together.
He was, and is, a very important part of our family’s life. He will be so sorely missed here on earth, but we look forward to a reunion some day in which we can talk all about dance – and less about the pain in our bodies.
God be with you,
The Prathers
Eileen, Missy and Mandy,
Our family is very saddened to hear of your loss and may you find strength in each other and in all the wonderful memories to sustain you in the days ahead.
Sincerely,
Diane Ash
I am deeply saddened to hear of Dr Dray’s passing. He was a great chiropractor who truly gave his patients the best of care. May God bless you during the sorrowful time.
Our family has known Dr. Dray for many years and he has helped give us relief from many aches and pains- some very serious. His caring and compassion, mixed with his hilarious stories can never be replaced. We will never forget the time he met us at the office on Christmas Eve when our young daughter was in tears because her neck hurt so bad. Doc cheerfully and skillfully gave her relief so that we could enjoy Christmas. That’s just one example of what a blessing Doc was to us! You are greatly missed !
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
I’m sorry for your loss… Prayer for you and your family..
We were both saddened to learn of Jimmy Dray’s sudden passing. He was a good classmate and hometown friend.
I am so sorry to learn of James passing,We grew up in Linneus,and I consider all my former classmates friends ..he seemed happy with his profession he had chosen in life.My condolences to his Family and brother ,Robert…There are no words I can say to ease your sorrow….
I just found out today about my beloved doctor. Im not sure where to start. I’m 23 and have been seeing Dr Dray for well over 10 years. And both of my parents had seen him during my childhood.
He meant the world to me. I had moved back from Missouri a few years ago with kidney problems, back injuries and fibromyalgia that I had acquired due to an assault at a younger age. I was a young girl with no insurance and I was miserable. Mentally and physically. Dr Dray was my saving angel. He took me serious NEVER questioned my pain or hurt. He could make ANYTHING feel better from common sinus problems, menstrual cramps and even bladder pain. In my eyes he was the only doctor that I ever needed in my life.
I looked up to him and adored him. He had the same sense of humor as me so our visits mostly consisted of friendly jokes passed back and forth. I remember many times him jokingly pretending my prickly legs cut his fingers. He made me laugh when all I wanted to do was cry. He was my ray of sunshine.
My heart hurts today as I wasn’t able to say goodbye. I am terribly broken hearted and I will miss him everyday. I love you and I will always be thinking about you ❤️