James Ray Ramey

September 1, 2026

James Ray Ramey, 66, of Atmore, AL, passed away on August 25, 2026. He was born on May 18, 1960, in Albuquerque, NM, where he spent most of his working life.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of James Ray Ramey, whose death came far too soon. After a lifetime of working hard and caring for those he loved, he had only recently begun retirement and a new chapter of life in Atmore, Alabama.

James was a true family man who showed his love through the things he did for others. He loved taking care of his family and found great joy in cooking, grilling, and smoking large meals for everyone to enjoy. Some of the best times were gathered around a meal he had prepared, with plenty of food and plenty of family.

He was, in every sense of the word, a man’s man. He believed that any job, whether big or small, personal or business, should be done right, with no shortcuts. If something needed to be fixed, built, or taken care of, he was determined to do it himself whenever possible. His work ethic, knowledge, and pride in a job well done were a defining part of who he was.

Before his years in the trades, he was known as “Jamo” during his days in music and entertainment. Jamo spent those years doing what he loved: lighting and sound. Hitting the road right after High School, traveling with the band “Off The Wall”, running lighting and sound. The guys from his “Off The Wall” days said he had a special talent for creating moods with the lighting system he built. He later continued working in sound and lighting with Quickbeam, which provided production services for big-name entertainers. Johnny Cash and Gloria Estefan were a couple of artists he had great respect for, as they were respectful to him. Those days were an important part of his life and reflected his love of music and the excitement of live entertainment.

When his daughter, Sarah, was born, his priorities shifted toward building a stable career and providing for this growing family. He became an electrical apprentice and entered the trades, beginning a career that would become a major part of his life and identity.

A highly skilled tradesman, James held multiple journeyman licenses and was deeply respected for his work as a boiler technician in New Mexico. Boilers were his true passion. He often said that he had a good understanding of boiler systems and that the short list of things he didn’t do was refrigeration. His knowledge, experience, and reputation earned him the respect of those who worked alongside him and those who relied on his expertise.

Throughout his career, James received many opportunities and offers for lucrative positions which he tried for brief periods. Yet, he chose to return to work for contractors serving schools because he believed the children deserved the very best care and expertise. He took great pride in knowing that his work helped keep the schools and their boiler systems safe and functioning properly for the children who depended on them. To him, the children were worthy of his expertise, and that belief mattered more than pursuing a higher salary. It reflected the kind of man he was, someone who valued doing meaningful work and using his knowledge to take care of others.

Retirement was meant to be a time for James to slow down and enjoy the life he had worked so hard to build. He and his beloved wife, Michelle, moved to Atmore, Alabama, seeking a slower and quieter life.

There, he looked forward to spending his time doing the things he loved most: attending drag races and concerts, camping and fishing. Even in retirement, he was never one to sit still for long; there was always something to repair, improve, or make better.

James was a proud and loving Grandpa to all seven of his grandchildren. He loved his grandbabies dearly and took great pride in each of them. The time he spent with them and the memories they shared will remain a treasured part of the legacy he leaves behind.

He was preceded in death by his beloved Mother, Wanda Cannon, and his respected father-in-law, Wynn Schneider.

James leaves behind his loving wife, Michelle Ramey; six children, Sarah, Jessica, Janna, Jared, Daniel and Drysta; seven cherished grandchildren, Sweetye, Kenny, Maxwell, Kashmir, K’zahrius, Braxton, J’Saahni; his beloved Pops, Bobby Cannon; his loved mother-in-law and gardening buddy, Derlie Schneider; and many other family members, friends, and colleagues whose lives were touched by his kindness, knowledge, strength, and unwavering devotion.

Although his retirement time was far too short, the life he lived was full of purpose. He will be remembered for the meals he prepared, the problems he could solve, the work he took pride in, the knowledge he shared, and, most importantly, the many ways he took care of the people he loved.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Obituaries