James Michael Ray, M.D., former CEO of The National Training Center Sports Medicine Institute and well-respected sports medicine specialist, passed away on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, in Naples, Florida at the age of 71.
Dr. Ray was trained in orthopedic surgery at Orlando Health in Florida. He was also a Sports Medicine Fellow at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and an academic physician and an Assistant Professor of Orthopedics/Sports Medicine at the University of Kentucky, Lexington.
Dr. Ray was a member of the USA Olympics Sports Medicine Society and served as the team physician for the USA Pan American Games in 1988, Winnipeg, Canada. For more than 45 years, Dr. Ray treated orthopedic and sports medicine patients and was affiliated during his long career with Orlando Health and Naples Community Hospitals.
“Whether volunteering at the triathlons on Clermont’s chain of lakes or local sporting events, he passionately served athletes and community members of all skills,” his family wrote.
James Michael Ray, M.D., was born in Belleview, Illinois, on June 30, 1952, to James Percy and Darlene Ray. He received his bachelor’s degree from Loyola University New Orleans and then completed his medical degree at Louisiana State University Medical School in Baton Rouge. He also earned a master’s degree in executive health administration from the University of Florida.
Ray is survived by his wife Tracee Ray; two daughters, Ashlee Koronka, Christine Gallagher, and two sons, Connor Daher, and Blu Ray; four grandchildren, Cannon Koronka, Camdyn Koronka, Henry Gallagher, and Graham Gallagher; three brothers, Donnie Ray, Scott Ray and Steve Ray; two sisters, Krissy Ray and Karole Bogart.
