James Edward Murray

The Reverend Doctor (Emeritus) James Edward Murray died on November 15th, 2020 at Saint Luke’s (East) Hospital in Lee’s Summit, Missouri at the age of 91. He was born in Dodge Center, MN on August 19th, 1929 to Andrew John and Dora Myrtle (Shorter) Murray; schooled at Mondovi, WI and Claremont, MN where he was the class valedictorian. He studied and received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Valparaiso University August 5th, 1960 and received his Theological Diploma from Concordia Seminary, Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LCMS) at Springfield, IL May 13th, 1962. Reverend Doctor Murray subsequently obtained a Bachelor of Divinity, May 28th, 1965; Master of Divinity, May 24th, 1973; Master of Theology, May 26th, 1974; and Doctor of Ministry, May 25th, 1984 degrees also from Concordia Seminary.

James married Marie Lucille Kurth of Eyota, MN at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church of Saint Paul, MN on December 27th, 1950. They celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary in December of 2017. Of this marriage, three daughters and two sons were born and reared, as follows: Jamie, David, Roger, Rosie, and Lori.

During his ministry for the Lord, he was called and served at the following parishes: Immanuel Lutheran Church of Mellen, WI and concurrently serving Saint Paul Lutheran Church of rural Marengo, WI; Trinity Lutheran Church of Merrill, WI; Saint John’s Lutheran Church of Wisconsin Rapids, WI; Immanuel Lutheran Church of Marshfield, WI; Our Savior Lutheran Church of Red Oak, IA and concurrently serving Mount Calvary Lutheran Church of Villisca, IA; First Lutheran Church of Missouri Valley, IA; and several vacant congregations, especially after retiring. Reverend Doctor Murray received the Concordia Theological Seminary and the LCMS English District Achievement Award for serving 50 years in the Holy Ministry on May 18th, 2012.

Prior to attending college, James enlisted in the United States Air Force and was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX. During the Korean Conflict, James served in the 1400 Air Force Group Iceland Air Defense Force, at Keflavik, Iceland. James was promoted to Staff Sergeant (E-5) prior to his discharge. After becoming an ordained minister, Reverend Murray joined the United States Army Reserve as a Chaplain. Reverend Murray retired from the Army Reserves with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel (LTC).

The Lord Himself used Pastor’s talents, time, gifts, abilities and monies in various offices and positions is church circuits, district, and synodical avenues as well as school PTA, city non-profit organizations, and city Chamber of Commerce – all to the Glory of the Lord God!

Surviving him are his children Jamie and her husband Randy Albert; David and his wife Elizabeth; Daughter-in-Law Linda, daughters Rosie and Lori; Grandchildren David and his wife Jenna, Johnathan, Brandon and his wife Joslyn, and Sara; two Great Grandchildren Aubrey and Grant; his Sister-in-Law Ruth; his brother Bill and his wife Sharon; and many other relatives and friends. He was proceeded in death by his parents; Marie his wife of 67 years; his brother Dick; and his son Roger.

Funeral service, with military honors, followed by burial will be at noon on December 8th, 2020 at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery Chapel. Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery is located at 1900 Veterans Memorial Drive, Boulder City, NV.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmboulderhighway.com for the Murray family.