author
Jim Ray
1893–1955
An illustrator and aviator as well as a writer, he brought the history of flight to life with clear storytelling and vivid artwork. His books and aviation sketchbooks were made to inform, entertain, and spark curiosity about airplanes and the people who flew them.
1 Audiobook
The Story of American Aviation
by Jim Ray
About the author
Born in Pennsylvania in 1893, Jim Ray was the pen name of James Ralph Ray. Archival records describe him as an illustrator and aviator who worked for companies including Kellogg's, studied at Ohio State University, Columbia University, and the National Academy of Design in New York, and went on to publish art and writing in books and magazines.
Ray is best remembered for aviation-themed work such as The Story of American Aviation and Jim Ray's Aviation Sketchbook. His writing was closely tied to his illustrations, which helped make technical subjects feel lively and approachable for general readers.
He died in 1955. No suitable verified portrait image was confirmed from the sources I checked, so a profile image is not included here.