James Henry McCray, DDS
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January 2, 1936 – December 3, 2025
James Henry “Jim” McCray, DDS, longtime Mill Valley dentist, sailor, and devoted family man, passed away on December 3, 2025.
Jim was born in Detroit, Michigan, to Alpha and Myrtis McCray, originally from Arkansas. He was preceded in death by his sister, Joanne Wexler, and his nephew, Rick.
Jim is survived by his three children — Jamie, a child psychologist; Brian, a builder; and Cheryl Ann — who were a joy and blessing to him and to his late wife, Nancy Krege McCray.
A graduate of Albion College and the University of Detroit School of Dentistry, Jim served as a captain in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in Okinawa. After completing his military service, he relocated to Mill Valley, where he practiced general dentistry for 42 years. He earned both a Fellowship and Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry and later completed an MBA at Pepperdine University.
Alongside his dental career, Jim and Nancy owned a travel agency for 30 years and visited 139 countries. Jim was an avid sailor and racer, proud member of the San Francisco Yacht Club for 56 years, and passionate ballroom dancer who competed and performed for four decades. He also served for 30 years as an administrator and chairman of the board for a company producing almonds, pistachios, and pecans in Arizona and California.
Jim will be remembered for his energy, discipline, curiosity, sense of humor, and the deep loyalty he showed to family and friends.
A private ceremony will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Tanzanian Children’s Fund, 14 Alberta Terrace, Unit 1, Cambridge, MA 02140, www.tanzanianchildrensfund.org, (617) 913-3763, or to a charity of your choice.