James Earl Ray (July 27, 1957 – December 26, 2023) was an American professional basketball player.

After playing college basketball for the Jacksonville Dolphins, he was selected fifth overall by the Denver Nuggets in the 1980 NBA draft.

He subsequently played three seasons for the team, appearing in 103 games and finishing with career averages of 3.4 points and 2.2 rebounds per game.

Moving to Europe, he went on to play professionally in Italy, Spain and Turkey.

[1] Due to his failing health and financial challenges, the NBA's retired players association provided him support.