James Enoy Ray Jr. was born on January 12, 1874, in Chillum, Prince George's County, Maryland, to Gertrude (née Shreve) and James Enos Ray.

Ray served as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, representing Prince George's County, from 1904 to 1908.

He served as chair of the state tax commission, starting in 1924.

He was serving as chairman of the Democratic State Central Committee from 1923 to his death.

[1][4] He was elected as president of the University of Maryland Alumni Association in June 1933.