Ray "The Tomato Man" Royce James

In Memory of Ray Royce James,  date of birth- August 30, 1943. Date of death-Jan 3, 2025.

Ray Royce James, aka The Tomato Man, has picked his last heirloom. Ray spent most of his life working the land in some capacity on his family farm in west Little Rock, where he was born to Royce Chester and Alma Lois James. He grew up helping on his parents’ farm and graduated from Mablevale High School in 1961. Ray then served his country in the Air Force before attending the University of Arkansas at Monticello and UALR. He obtained a B.S. in Math and Chemistry but had many interests and pursuits: forestry, real estate, substitute teaching, and designing pipe systems at A.O. Smith; however, Ray’s true calling was as a nursery grower, business owner, and farmer, all of which gave him lifelong joy.

Ray was married to Frances Annette James for nearly 50 years, before her death in 2022. Fran died after a long battle with Alzheimer’s, during which Ray lovingly cared for her.  He was a longtime member at West Heights Baptist Church, Temple Baptist Church, and the Church at Rock Creek. Ray was passionate about gardening, helping others to develop their green thumb, serving his church community, and spending time with family.  He was a lifelong learner, whether it was cultivating new plants and growing techniques or polishing up his Spanish.  Ray’s greatest contributions were his remarkable sense of humor and positivity, staunch support for the underdog, and unyielding family loyalty.

His gardening wisdom and knowledge was unparalleled and will forever be missed. 

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Royce and Alma, his brothers, Roy and Coy, and a nephew, Christopher Griffis. He is survived by his sister Betty (Lynn) Griffis of Little Rock, his son Jason (Christina) James of Lowell, his daughters, Amy (Patrick) Lake and Carrie (Set) Sokol of Bentonville, and eight grandchildren: Madeline, Garrett, Elliot, Marie, Wyatt, Cora, Calvin, and Errol.

Visitation on Sunday from 2-4pm and the service on Monday at 10am. At Roller-Drummond Chenal. Thank you, 

Carrie Sokol