James Ray Brookins, 95, of Lynn Haven, Florida moved from his earthly home to be with his beloved Savior on March 14, 2024, with his son, Ken, by his side.

James Ray was born December 25, 1928 in Millville, Florida. He attended Millville Elementary School and graduated from Bay High School in 1946. He accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior in October, 1949, faithfully serving Him the rest of his life. He was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church and through the years served in various leadership roles including Sunday School Department Director, Chairman of Deacons, Brotherhood President, and Men's Bible Class teacher. He was a deacon for sixty-five years and later became Deacon Emeritus. He directed the music program at Immanuel Baptist Church for twentyfive years.

He loved music, poetry, the outdoors, and nature. He was a member of the Bay County Historical Society, Executive Committee member of the Northwest Coast Baptist Association and was a charter member of the Panhandle Pioneer Settlement in Blountstown. He was an avid reader with favorite subjects being theology, Civil War, nature, and wildlife. He retired from Gulf Power Company after forty-two years of service.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Brady and Nellie Brookins; his brother, Donnell, his sister, Ruby Nell Ayers Joh, his brothers-in-law, Norman Ayers and Ray Joh, his sister-in-law, Norma Brookins, his niece, Pam Brookins, his nephew, Terry Ayers, his son, Gregory Malone Brookins and his wife of 64 years Ali Jacqueline Brookins. He is survived by his son, Kenneth Ray Brookins and his wife, Jennifer; grandson, Clayton Brookins and his wife, Alicia; granddaughter, Kristen Brookins Brown and her husband, Matt. Seven precious great grandchildren: Sophie, Miles, Lucy, and Jackson Brookins, and Tucker, Beckett, and Hattie Brown. He is also survived by his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Gene and Gaile Bass, nieces and nephews, Steve Ayers, Lori Ellis, Gary Brookins, Sabin Bass, and Lainye Bailey and their families. Also special to him were Jennifer's sisters, Theresia Smith, Sheila Day, and Jimmy Lou Allen.

Active pallbearers are Clay Brookins, Matt Brown, Stephen Ayers, Sabin Bass, Gary Brookins and Scott Raffield. Honorary pallbearers are Immanuel Baptist deacons and choir members. Visitation will be Friday, March 22 from 9:30-11:00 am at Immanuel Baptist Church with the funeral service to follow at 11:00 am at the church. There will be a private internment to follow at Mount Hope Cemetery in Lynn Haven, Florida. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Baptist Center, PO Box 35306, Panama City, FL 32412 or The Live Like Drew Foundation, P.O. Box 1641, Lynn Haven, FL 32444 in his memory.