James R. Slay; Employed in Film Industry

James Ronnie Slay of Fillmore, who worked in the film industry, died at the Motion Picture and Television Hospital in Calabasas on Tuesday. He was 57.

Slay was born in Shawnee, Okla., on Dec. 16, 1941. His family later moved to Redondo Beach, where he attended school. He graduated from Redondo Beach High School.

During the Vietnam War, Slay served four years in the Air Force. He later met his wife, Judith, while she was attending UCLA and they married in 1968.

From 1978 to 1998, he worked for MGM and Technicolor studios in the negative assembly department, developing film for movie theaters.

Co-worker Dave Rios, who knew Slay for 20 years, said he will fondly remember his friend, who was also his foreman: “He was a fun-loving guy and he was always there for everyone.”

Deborah Lynn Brown of Simi Valley said most friends were familiar with her father’s sense of humor.

“He would always tell jokes and he had a contagious laugh,” she said.

Slay was a collector of fishing and Indian memorabilia and enjoyed fishing.

In addition to his wife and daughter, Slay is survived by his mother, Bertha of Fillmore; a son, Robert of Ventura; daughter Lori Anne Hurtado of Santa Paula; two brothers, Nathan and Robert Slay, and eight grandchildren.

A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday at the Fillmore Bible Church. His father-in-law and brother-in-law, both named Don Goodenough, will officiate.

Arrangements are under the direction of Skillin Carroll Mortuary, Fillmore.