Jason Lee Ray, 31, of Arthur, died at 6:40 PM Sunday, October 10, 2010 of a serious infection at Springfield Memorial Hospital, Springfield, surrounded by family and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM Friday, October 15, 2010 at the Vine Street Christian, 249 S. Vine Street, Arthur, with Rev. Rick Williams officiating. Burial will follow in the Arthur Cemetery. Visitation will be held 4:00-8:00 PM Thursday at the Vine Street Christian Church. Shrader Funeral Home, 431 S. Vine Street, Arthur, is assisting the family with the services.

Jason was born April 7, 1979 in Tuscola, the son of Jan and Alice Elder Ray. He was united in marriage to Jama Conlin on July 7, 2001 in Arthur.

Survivors include his wife, Jama Ray of Arthur; two daughters, Madeline and Lauren Ray and one son, Vincent Ray, all at home; his parents, Jan and Alice Ray of Arthur; one sister, Janet Ray of Arthur. He was preceded in death by his grandparents and aunt, Jacqueline Sue Lauterjang.

Jason graduated from Arthur High School in 1997 and attended Lakeland College in Mattoon for two years. He then graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in History. He was employed as General Manager at Mid-State Tank in Sullivan.

Jason was a life member of the Vine Street Christian Church, where he served as Deacon. He was currently the secretary and member of the Arthur School Board. Jason coached the 5th and 6th grade basketball teams; served as coach to the Arthur JFL Program; and was assistant high school football coach for 4 years. After giving up coaching, Jason became the voice of the Arthur Knight's home football games. He passionately enjoyed golf, 'the Cubs', the Bears, and the Illini.

Memorials are suggested to a memorial fund established for Jason's children in care of the State Bank of Arthur, 411 S. Vine Street, Arthur, IL 61911.

Jason was a loving and devoted father and husband who loved his wife and kids with all his heart and soul. He enjoyed watching TV together, reading to his children, and teaching them how to play golf and baseball. He was a loving, caring, and even sometimes overprotective brother and son. He was a man with great confidence and that could be felt the minute he walked into a room. He knew how to make someone laugh when they needed it the most; loved people and always wanted to help them no matter who they were and if he could not help or fix it, he would find someone who could. Jason had a strong love for the town of Arthur and was very passionate about the schools and all the sports programs. No longer coaching, he would still go to some of the guys he coached and tell them what they needed to do to improve and cared for all of the guys he mentored through the years. He was an amazing man and even more amazing father and husband who will be greatly missed.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.hilligossshraderfh.com