James Ray Gooch, age 75, of Sheffield, passed away January 13, 2025.  Visitation will be Saturday, January 18^th at Williams Funeral Home from 12:00 – 2:00 pm with the service starting at 2:00 pm in the chapel and Tommy Ruple officiating.  Burial will follow in Sheffield Oakwood Cemetery in Sheffield, Alabama.  Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Frances Gooch, and his brother, Thomas Gooch.

James is survived by his wife of six years, Nell Gooch; children, James Gooch (Susan), Michael Gooch (April), and James Lawson (special friend, Rebecca Sledge).  Additional survivors include grandchildren, Jonathan Gooch (Tiffany), Josh Gooch, and Bella Gooch; his loving dogs, “Buddy” and “Taylor”.

James attended Grace Christian Baptist Church. He had a passion for outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, and camping, especially at Hunting Creek Lodge. A fan of westerns, he cherished the simple pleasures in life and had a strong aversion to throwing anything away. Above all, James loved spending time with his family and held a special place in his heart for his grandkids.