James Warren Murray

JAMES WARREN MURRAY

My dear, extremely patient and kind, fun-loving and handsome husband peacefully passed away at home on October 6, 2020 in the early morning hours with me at his side. He suffered, with dignity, from Parkinson’s Disease, for about eight years.

James Warren Murray was 83, born on December 13, 1936, in Jamaica Hospital, New York, and lived his early years in St. Alban’s, Queens, New York.  He was the youngest child of the late Charles and Helen McHugh Murray.  In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his youngest son, Michael James Murray; brother, Thomas Murray; and sisters, Dorothy Bernhardt and Maebelle Audet.

Jim and I were married on September 30, 1989 in New Hartford, Connecticut, and our 31st anniversary just passed.  In addition to myself, survivors are the following:  Paul and Kristen Murray of Waxhaw, North Carolina; Richard and Linda Murray of Rhinebeck, New York; Ann Murray and partner, Clare Secker-Walker of Fairfax, Vermont; Robert and Tanya Murray of Rhinebeck, New York; and Karen and John Leonard of Barkhamsted, Connecticut.  I am thankful that Paul and Richard were able to be here in Jim’s last days to comfort him and support me.

Twelve grandchildren also survive – the Murray’s:  Paige, Jack, Kate, Juliet, Sean, Isabel, Colin, Esther, Fiona, Erica; and Caitlin Leonard and John Patrick Leonard. Dear “Papa Jim!”

Lastly, he is survived by his loving brothers and wives, Charles and Helen Murray of Richmond Hill, New York; and Kenneth and Nana Murray of Burke, Virginia.

Jim and I resided in Pine Meadow, Connecticut, for 28 years and moved to Wilmington, North Carolina, three years ago.  Jim owned A Parts & Service Place in New Hartford, Connecticut, where he was in great demand for appliance repair.  He loved what he did and was largely self-taught.

We also owned a simple summer cottage on Cedar Island, Clinton, Connecticut, where we had wonderful fun times with family, friends and neighbors. We enjoyed walks on the beach, seaglass hunting, and boating, but simply gazing at the waters of the Sound from our deck and seeing the amazing sunrises and sunsets leaves me with wonderful memories. 

Jim was an avid vintage car collector and at one time owned six vehicles, the most treasured being his 1948 Ford pick-up called “the Bumblebee.”  Together, we had great times camping, boating, biking and dancing and, most of all, traveling. We were fortunate to visit 25 countries as well as many U.S. states.  We had adventures galore, most memorable is having a long private conversation with the President of Costa Rica after meeting him unexpectedly on the beach.

Jim walked three miles daily for many years and had a friendly smile and wave for anyone passing by.  He also loved to ski and volunteered for several years at the local resort, Ski Sundown, as a member of Guest Services.  As late as 2010, he even took up snowboarding!

Jim was a veteran who served in the New York Army National Guard.

Interment will be in the spring of 2021 in New Hartford, Connecticut, where there will be a graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lower Cape Fear Hospice Center, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, North Carolina  28401-7335.  Jim was in their service since July 2019 and got exceptional care and compassion from all staff.

Online condolences may be shared at www.andrewsmortuary.com.

A Personal Note:  I found the following to be very meaningful and hope you all do too (author unknown):  “You can shed tears that he is gone, or you can smile because he has lived.  You can close your eyes and pray that he’ll come back, or you can open your eyes and see all he has left.  Your heart can be empty because you can’t see him, or you can be full of the love you shared. You can remember him only that he is gone, or you can cherish his memory and let it live on.  You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back.  Or you can do what he’d want:  SMILE, open your eyes, LOVE and go on.”

R.I.P. my dear husband,

   LOVE forever, Mary