Jimmy Ray Mink

Jimmie (James) Ray Mink, 88—father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, cousin, uncle, friend—was called Homeon Thursday March 14th of 2024. Ray spent a lifetime of military service in multiple capacities and in various locations domestically and overseas: Ft. Meade Maryland, Walker AFB New Mexico, Grissom AFB Indiana, Knoxville, Tennessee, as well as Germany, France, Japan, Australia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Korea, Thailand, Azores, Greenland, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Israel. Ray was born on January 24, 1936, in Neva, Tennessee to Ralph and Velma (Arnold) Mink and was the second oldest of eight children. At age 15 Ray enlisted in the U.S. military and was stationed in Baumholder, Germany, where he met and married Annamarie Schroeck, his wife of 65 years. They traveled the world and lived a military lifestyle for 20 years before retiring in Rammelsbach, Germany, in Annamarie’s hometown and family home. For the next 40 years Ray continued to serve the Military community with the Defense Mapping Agency, Youth Sports Services, and repair and hospitality for Lagerhof Lodging in Baumholder and Zweibruecken. Ray’s primary responsibility in the Air Force was ground support as lead aircraft mechanic. His uncanny mechanical and electrical abilities allowed him to troubleshoot and repair anything that had a motor. He assisted many family members and friends, both in person and over the phone, to fix or repair their automobiles, home appliances, and factory equipment. Later in life, as a retiree, he flew on many military flights. On more than one occasion, as a passenger, he assisted the crew in troubleshooting pre-flight issues that had been delaying take-off. Ray was known for his generosity, and even though he lived thousands of miles away he kept his siblings, children, nephews, nieces, fellow soldiers and friends under his wing. Ray loved and enjoyed people and never met a stranger. A handshake or simple conversation made a person his friend. He was proud to be a Mason and Shriner. As Air Force recruiter he was the ultimate salesman of people, heartily believing that a military career could be a viable path to a successful life. Ray enjoyed and appreciated music and could easily name singers, writers and titles of songs, especially in country music. Ray was preceded in death by his sister Nell Tester, parents Ralph and Velma Mink, and wife Annamarie. Ray is survived by sons James A. Mink of Groveland, FL, David H. Mink of Greenwich, CT, and daughter Beverly A. Penny of Idaho Falls, ID. He is also survived by his most cherished sisters, Dove Guinn and Mary Whaley and dear brothers, Jay and Bill. Devotedly, brothers Bob and Dean and beloved sister-in-law Sue played vital and loving roles in his life, especially in Ray’s later years. Cousin Ernest (ET) Tester was Ray’s life-long “ol’ buddy.” Ray is also survived by four granddaughters: Nicole Roque, Carissa Ronish, Leah Mink and Katherine McGuire of the United States, five grandsons: Christian, Dane and Stephen Mink of Germany, and David and Luke Penny of Idaho and New Mexico. Also surviving is Ray’s nephew, Tristan Bolkenius of Germany, with whom he held a special bond. Ray’s 11 great-grandchildren are Carmella, Jasmine, Maleia, Mackenzie, Valerie, Norene, John Iron, Emily, Angelina, Ziggy Jameson and Hazel. As evidenced by his large family on both sides of the Atlantic and a world-wide list of friends, Ray was very widely loved! He is greatly missed, and we pray that he may rest in peace. Ray Will be laid to rest on Sunday June 23, 2024 in the Gambill Springs Cemetery at 1:00 pm. Military Honors will be accorded by the Johnson County Honor Guard. Online condolences and memories may be sent to the family at www.huxlipfordfh.com Hux & Lipford Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Mink family.