Fayette, Mo. - Central Methodist University is mourning the loss of Jim Ray Kluck, who passed away Tuesday, May 27th, at the age of 71.
"This is a sad time for all involved with CMU Athletics," said Director of Athletics Jeff Sherman. "Jim Ray Kluck served in many roles on Central's campus, including assistant football coach and head golf coach."
"He worked many years with the admissions department and was instrumental in helping bring hundreds of students to Central's campus, guiding them through their CMU journey," added Sherman. "More importantly, you wouldn't find a kinder and caring person. He never met a stranger and was loved by everyone."
At CMU, Jim Ray served as an assistant football coach in the 1990's and as Head Golf Coach from 2007 to 2017. During his time leading the Eagles, Kluck guided the men's side to a Heart of America Conference Championship and a national tournament postseason berth in 2013. It marked the first Heart Conference Championship for the program in school history.
Additionally, he was named the Heart of America Men's Golf Coach of the Year for his efforts during the championship. The 2013 team would later be inducted into the Hairston Hall of Fame in the fall of 2018.
Jim Ray's presence could best be felt in the CMU Admissions department, as he served as a recruiter for the University, recruiting hundreds of students to the Fayette campus.
Services for Jim Ray will begin this Friday, May 30, at Boonville High School from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at S.S. Peter & Paul Catholic Church with interment following at S.S. Peter & Paul Catholic Cemetery.
More information on the services can be found here.
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