Richelle Kluck, Jim Ray’s wife, honors 21 years of marriage filled with courage and companionship.
James Raymond “Jim Ray” Kluck lived a remarkable life that touched countless people in Boonville, Missouri, and beyond.
Born on February 4, 1954, in Junction City, Kansas, Jim Ray grew up as one of four brothers in Pierce City, Missouri, before his family relocated to Boonville in 1967.
Jim Ray graduated from Boonville High School in 1972 and pursued higher education at Kemper Military Jr. College and the University of Missouri, where he earned his bachelor’s degree.
He came tantalizingly close to completing his master’s degree, finishing just six hours short of graduation.
Throughout his academic years, he supported himself by working for Tom Adair Construction, Hirlingers, and delivering furniture for Hitners Furniture.
His professional life showcased remarkable versatility and commitment to his community.
From 1976 to 2003, Jim Ray owned and operated Kluck’s Hallway, establishing himself as a successful local businessman.
Simultaneously, he pursued his passion for sports by coaching football at both Kemper Military Jr. College and Central Methodist University.
His career path later led him to Frontier Motors, where he earned the memorable nickname “The Round Man with the Square Deal” for his honest and straightforward sales approach.
Jim Ray’s dedication to education and young people eventually brought him back to Central Methodist University, where he served as both an admissions counselor and golf coach until his retirement in 2024.
His influence extended beyond the campus through his work as a sportscaster for KWRT and Central Methodist University, sharing his love of sports with the broader community.
Known for his analytical mind and mathematical prowess, Jim Ray could solve complex problems without paper or calculator.
His warm personality, storytelling ability, and generous heart made him a beloved figure who never met a stranger.
For over 50 years, he brought joy to countless families as Santa Claus, embodying the spirit of giving that defined his character.
Jim Ray’s Wife Shares Their Story Of Love And Strength
Jim Ray’s personal life reflects a beautiful story of blended families and enduring love, particularly through his marriage to Dr. Richelle Kluck.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences & Disorders from the University of Iowa, a master’s degree from Central Missouri State University (now University of Central Missouri), and a Doctor of Audiology degree from A.T. Still University’s Arizona School of Health Sciences.
With over 14 years of audiology experience across private practice, ENT, and hospital settings, she currently serves as a clinical audiologist at the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital in Columbia, Missouri.
Her professional certifications include licensing by the state of Missouri and certification by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
After his first marriage to Shirley Terrell in 1979, during which he welcomed her four children and had three more with her, Jim Ray found lasting love with Richelle Adair in 2004.
Their wedding took place on January 24, 2004, during an ice storm that seemed to symbolize their ability to weather any challenge together.
Richelle fondly recalls the ceremony held “under the moose head at Knights of Columbus,” describing it as filled with “lots of laughter, kids crying, some were happy and some were not.”
This blended family celebration brought together Richelle’s three children with Jim Ray’s existing family, creating a household that exemplified love’s capacity to expand and include everyone.
The couple celebrated 21 years of marriage at the time of Jim Ray’s passing on May 27, 2025.
Throughout their relationship, Richelle consistently referred to Jim Ray as her “Bestus” – a term of endearment that captured their unique bond.
Her social media posts reveal a marriage built on friendship, shared adventures, and mutual support through life’s challenges.
Their marriage faced significant health challenges that only strengthened their partnership.
In 2014, Jim Ray received a life-saving kidney transplant after nearly three years of dialysis.
She frequently celebrated March 21st as Jim Ray’s “transplant anniversary,” acknowledging the gift that allowed him to witness grandchildren’s births, weddings, graduations, and countless family milestones.
During Jim Ray’s final months, Richelle demonstrated unwavering dedication as his primary caregiver and advocate.
Her social media updates chronicled his health journey with honesty and hope, from his hospitalization with RSV, bilateral ear infections, pneumonia, and worsening congestive heart failure, through his rehabilitation efforts and eventual peaceful passing surrounded by family.
Richelle’s posts reveal a woman who found joy in celebrating everyday moments with her husband while facing serious health challenges with courage and faith.
She describes their relationship as one where she “can’t imagine doing life with anyone else,” emphasizing their shared adventures and ability to “get in trouble together.”
Her words paint a picture of a marriage that balanced serious commitment with playful companionship.
As Jim Ray’s life drew to a close, Richelle’s strength and devotion shone through her final tribute:
“The rally of all rallies ended last night, as Heaven welcomed in a legend.”
Facebook
Her words capture both her grief and her recognition of the extraordinary man she had the privilege to love and support for 21 remarkable years.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Jim Ray attended Deep River Millersburg school.
- Jim Ray was preceded in death by two sons, Ralph Miller and Bobby Jackson.
- Jim Ray had 17 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
