James E. Murray, ìYankî, 76, of Hendersonville, passed away Wednesday, October 2, 2013 at the Elizabeth House and is finally at peace. He was born January 17, 1937 in Providence, RI and grew up in Dudley, MA. He was son of the late James H. and Doris Harrington Murray. He was also preceded in death by Gloria M. Murray, and his brother Tom Murray.
Jim graduated from the University of Massachusetts at Lowell, and began working for Cranston Prints in 1958, was transferred to Hendersonville, where he remained for the rest of his life. After 40 years, he retired as Superintendent of Printing at Cranston when the Fletcher plant closed in 1998.
He was a devout member of the Hendersonville Country Club since 1963. For 45 years he was a member of a foursome at the Club known as the ì11:11 Gangî. As close friends, this group had a long-standing tee time of 11:11am every Sunday. Members of The Gang were Jim, John Holley, Buck Buchannan, and Bill Stokes. Jim was known for his overwhelming generosity and dedication to the passions in his life: his church, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, where he was a member for 51 years; the game of golf; the Boston Red Sox; his involvement with several charitable organizations; and of course, his loving family.
Jim was a quiet man with quick wit and subtle humor. His consistent, strong presence as a friend, father, and grandfather will be missed greatly. Where the world has lost a great man, Heaven has gained an amazing soul.
Jim is survived by four loving children and their families, his son, James H. Murray II and his wife Mindy; and granddaughter Haley; his son, Michael A. OíConnor and his wife Laura, and grandchildren Jason, Tennille, and Amber; his son Thomas J. OíConnor and his wife Rhonda, and granddaughters, Kim and Heather; his daughter, Tracy OíConnor-McGraw, and her husband Richard, and granddaughters, Megan and Kelly; four great-grandchildren; and siblings, Pat Cullen, Steve Murray, Mary Early, and Mark Murray.
A graveside service with military honors will be at 3:00pm Saturday in Forest Lawn Memorial Park. A visitation will be from 1:30-3pm in the chapel at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, prior to the graveside service. There will be a gathering with the family at the Hendersonville Country Club following the service. Memorials may be made to Four Seasons Compassion for Life, 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731 or Interfaith Ministries, PO Box 2562, Hendersonville, NC 28793.
Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Our Tuesday morning pantry team at Interfaith Assistance Ministries will sorely miss our Jim. Quiet, unassuming, caring, and continuing to volunteer for year after year when we knew he did not feel “up to par.” We send our deepest condolences to the family.
Big Jim (as I have always called him) was not only a wonderful grandfather but he was an amazing man. My heart aches at the thought of not having him here. But more than anything, my heart aches that my son will grow up not fully knowing what an absolutely outstanding man his Great Grandpa Jim was. We will miss him every day.
Hate to see him gone but nice to know he is now at peace. Love to all the family but especially my bro–Murrs!
Tracy and Rick,
We can understand what you are feeling right now. Just try to remember that he is at peace now, and not suffering with all of the ailments and ills that this world offers. It always hurts to let someone go, but remember that you are being thought of and prayed for during this time. Grieve for your loss, but celebrate his life.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kin and Phyllis Keener
Myself and my father Jay Angel are saddened to hear of Mr. Murray passing on, Iam sure he is making the turn in heaven about now. The days at HCC were special for those of us lucky enough to know those people and times, the Murrays Sr. and Jr. were part of what made it so.. RIP Mr. Murray
A fine man, a good friend and a good golfer. I especially enjoyed our years as partners in golf events. Jim fought the good fight against cancer and is now in a better place.
He will be greatly missed.
Dave Owens
I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I saw him frequently when I worked at the Hendersonville Country Club years ago, including the time I caddied for him in the HCC Club Championship finals. I can’t remember ever seeing him in a bad mood. Hendersonville has lost a true gentleman.