James Ray Curtis

June 7, 1957  -  August 20, 2025

James Ray Curtis, age 68 of Estill Springs, passed away on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville. James was born on June 7, 1957, in Chicago Heights, Illinois to the late Donald Ray Curtis and Mary Jane (Durham) Curtis. He retired after twenty-five plus years as a boiler maker. In his younger years, James and his brother, Gilbert would street drag race on back roads late at night and his need for speed led him to become an avid fan of the Hanger Brother in dirt track racing and Nasccar. When speed was not involved, he would cheer on the Tennessee Vols. Known as a family man to his family, he enjoyed watching and listening to his father play Bluegrass music and being with his children. In his spare time, you could find him watching TV Land, where you would find Gun Smoke, Sanford and Sons and Andy Griffin. James was devoted and God-fearing man, who’s faith led him to Little Hurricane Church. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Gilbert Curtis, and nephew, Eddie Ray Curtis. James is survived by his son, Daniel Curtis; daughter, Sue Curtis; bonus children, Keauna Duke and Melena Pinegar; grandchildren, Kaylie and Micah; siblings, Shelley Curtis, Connie Nobles, and Gary Curtis; and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 5:00pm – 8:00pm at Moore-Cortner Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at 2:00pm from the chapel of Moore-Cortner Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Watson Memorial Park with family and friends serving as pallbearers. Moore-Cortner Funeral Home 300 1st Ave NW, Winchester, TN 37398, (931)967-2222, www.moorecortner.com