Jimmy Rave Passes Away at Age 39

Former Ring of Honor and Total Nonstop Action wrestler Jimmy Rave, real name James Michael Guffey, passed away this past Sunday the age of 39.

Guffey’s passing was first announced by Guffey’s agent Bill Behrens on Twitter with the help of Guffey’s daughter Kailah.

Prior to his passing, Guffey had been dealing with medical issues that resulted in his retirement from wrestling in November of 2020 due to the amputation of his left arm. Guffey had stated this past October that both of his legs were also amputated due to a MRSA infection.

Guffey’s career in wrestling spanned from 1999 to 2020 and was most known for his stints in Ring of Honor and TNA from 2003 to 2013.

A GoFundMe fundraiser was recently launched to help financially support the family of Guffey for his funeral costs.

Official statement by Behrens:

James Michael Guffey has died at the age of 39.

James was best known as Professional Wrestler, Jimmy Rave.  His career, which started in 1999, continued for over 2 decades.  He was a two-time NWA World Junior Heavyweight Champion.  He appeared in Total Non-Stop Action Wrestling, where he teamed with Lance (Hoyt) Rock as the “Rock and Rave Infection.”  In Ring of Honor, he feuded with AJ Styles and was the “Crown Jewel” of the faction, The Embassy, and last appeared in 2013 as a Member of S.C.U.M.  He toured Japan with both Dragon Gate Wrestling, and New Japan Pro Wrestling where in 2008 he competed in the “Best of The Super Junior” Tournament.  In 2005 he appeared on World Wrestling Entertainment’s Sunday Night Heat.  Rave appeared in numerous Independent promotions including Rampage Pro Wrestling, Atlanta Wrestling Entertainment, and Combat Zone Wrestling, among many others.  He also served as a booker for several years in Rampage Pro Wrestling and led a faction known as “Jimmy Rave Approved.”

Outside of wrestling he held the position of Director of the Bartow County, Georgia Peer Support, Wellness and Respite Center for several years.

James had been struggling with drug addiction for many years. His struggles resulted in the amputation of his arm and, later, both of his legs.

James is survived by his ex-wife Felicia, daughter Kailah, son James II, and parents Jim & Toni Guffey.  At the time of his death, he was living in the Philadelphia, PA area with Gabby Gilbert.

RIP, James Michael Guffey, 12/8/82 – 12/12/21

Memorial services will be held in Georgia. Details will be released at a later time.