James Rayer

James Leroy Rayer, age 85, of McCook, passed away at the Hillcrest Care Center of McCook, on Sunday, July 11, 2021. He was born at home in Bartley, Nebraska April 19, 1936, to Maurice W. and Elsie (Colling) Rayer. Jim attended and graduated from Indianola High School in 1953. He continued his education at Kearney State Teachers College in 1957 and received his Bachelor of Science Education. Jim served his country in the United States Army Reserves from July 1959 until he was Honorably Discharged in April 1965. Jim taught in Sutherland, Wood River, Clarks, Bennington, and Gothenburg before retiring in 1978. He worked for a short time for Perry Grain before moving to Lincoln. In Lincoln, he worked for Nordan Labs until 2008. Jim returned to southwest Nebraska to be close to family. He was a lifelong bachelor, but loved to be around his nephews, nieces, and great-nieces and great-nephews. He was a devout Catholic man and enjoyed coyote hunting in his early years. More recently, he enjoyed reading, playing all types of card games (Pitch, Pinochle, Rummy), and Bingo. Jim liked to watch Philadelphia Phillies baseball and the Huskers. He was a member of the Indianola Knights of Columbus. He was preceded in death by his parents, Maurice and Elsie; brother, Maurice "Joe" Rayer; and a great-nephew, Isaac Cornwell. Jim is survived by his sister, Mary and husband, Albert Hayes, of Bartley; brother, Richard "Dick" and wife, Jane Rayer, of Indianola; ten nieces and nephew; ten great-nieces and great-nephews; sister-in-law, Anne Rayer of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, July 16, 2021, at 10:30 A.M. at St. Catherine's Catholic Church in Indianola with Father Daniel Rayer officiating. Interment will be in St. Catherines Catholic Cemetery in Indianola. A Rosary will be recited at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook on Thursday evening, July 15, 2021 at 7:30 P.M. Memorials may be left in Jims name at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel. Friends may leave online condolences at herrmannfh.com. Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel is entrusted with arrangements. Rosary Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel Thursday, July 15, 2021 7:30 PM - 8:00 PM 607 Norris Avenue McCook, Nebraska 69001 Mass of Christian Burial St. Catherine's Catholic Church Friday, July 16, 2021 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM 815 D Street Indianola, Nebraska 69034