James Leon "Jim" Raney

Our loving brother and uncle, James Leon (Jim) Raney, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 10, 2015 with his family by his side. Jim was born February 17, 1951 in Muskogee, Oklahoma to A. Leon and C. Maxine (Green) Raney. He grew up and attended the public schools and graduated from Muskogee Central High School with the class of 1969. Jim’s passion for vocal and instrumental music began in junior high when he learned to play the cornet. He maintained “first chair” in the band most of his time in school band and was a member of the marching band. He loved to sing and play guitar in the Central High School Jazz Band, as well as participate in the all-school musical plays. His love of music continued throughout his life as he played his guitar in many bands. His talented voice and his great sense of humor helped him in being a very good entertainer. Jim served our country with three different ‘calls of duty’; he served in the U.S. Air Force, where he served as Sergeant, and then the U.S. Navy and later the U.S. Army Reserves. He received honorable discharges from each branch of service. Patriotism was very important to Jim and his family recalls that when he marched in the Veterans Day Parades, he was always the one asked to play “Taps.” Jim had various employments, but found selling suits to be one he really enjoyed. His career included S and K Men’s Wear, where he was a Store Manager. He then worked as a store liquidator and traveled the country to perform his duties. His family also recalls, while he lived in Georgia, he worked as an EMT. His best job came toward the end of his career when he started substitute teaching. He loved and enjoyed the kids and listening to the many stories they would tell. Jim loved being around people. His friends knew him by many different names including, ‘Jim’, ‘Raney’ and ‘Jimmy Leon.’ He was loved very much and will be greatly missed. He was preceded in death by his parents. Jim is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Donna and Ronald Price of Muskogee; nephews, James Daniel (Danny) Price of Muskogee, Erick Samuel Price and his wife Erin of Muskogee; great niece, Brittany Price Reed and her husband Chase of Tahlequah, OK, great nephews, Bradley Price and his wife Kayla, and Jamie Leon Price all of Tahlequah, OK, great nephews, Eyan and Aydan Barry of Muskogee, great nieces, Zoe Elizabeth Price and Evinn Raney Price of Muskogee; and great great niece, Kambri-Ann Reed. A celebration of Jim’s life will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, November 13, 2015, at Cornerstone Funeral Home Chapel with Minister James McCracken and Minister Tony Blumenberg officiating. In lieu of flowers, Jim’s family suggests memorials be made to Boulevard Christian Church Music Ministry, 1700 W. Shawnee, Muskogee, OK 74401.

James Leon "Jim" Raney

February 17, 1951 - November 10, 2015