James H. Murray "Jim"

November 18, 1941 – April 27, 2020

Our beloved Jim fought hard in his battle against cancer but succumbed to this horrible disease on Monday, April 27 ^th , embraced by his loving wife and children. He is survived by his adoring wife Kathleen and his wonderful children and their spouses of whom he was most proud: Jennifer Murray Dawley and her husband Christopher, Michael Murray and his wife Carol and Julie Murray Lascher and her husband Andrew. His three grandchildren Katherine (Dawley) Forsythe-Fandetti and her husband Jay, Thomas Dawley and Drew Lascher brought him endless joy. Many friends and extended family will miss Jim greatly; our lives will never be the same. He was predeceased by his beloved first wife Janice, his brother Bill and his parents Olsime and Eleanor Bryant Murray.

Jim began his life's journey in the small paper mill town of Millinocket, Maine. He grew up enjoying all the benefits of this close-knit community: strong family values, a great education and many lifelong friendships. He loved to tell stories of his time there. After a short stint in the Army, Jim made the big move from Millinocket to Boston to start his adult life outside of his small town. His first job at Filene's led Jim to meet and marry his beautiful wife Janice. Education was very important to Jim. He worked hard and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in finance from Bentley College. His family grew and he, Jan and their three children settled in Andover, Ma. where they spent many wonderful, happy years raising their children.

Following the sadness of Jan's passing in 1996, Jim began another adventure, traveling across the country on various business assignments. In 2000 while working in New York City, he met Kathleen Schramm who would become Jim's loving wife and best friend. In 2001, Jim and Kathy married at Disney World and began their fairy tale life in New Hampshire. Jim and Kathy made their happy home in Atkinson for 18 years where, every year, Jim would lovingly add to their beautiful gardens.

Throughout his life, Jim was an avid Boston sports fan. But, above all, he loved to golf. Jim was a member of the Andover Country Club for over 40 years. Most recently, he was known as the "perfect husband" as he golfed with his wife Kathy every chance they had. He could be seen most weekends on the course with one of his famous cigars. After the round, he would inevitably be seen in the Club dining room, enjoying one of his eponymous Scotch cocktails: The Mad Murray.

Jim was always the hardest working man in the room. He attributed this work ethic to the strong foundation he received during younger years in Millinocket. Jim's finance talent and expertise led him to careers at several local Companies including Boch Motors, Gordon Brothers and a long personal and professional relationship with Crown Linen and Uniform Services. Jim was driven to be the best at everything he did. He never understood the word 'no' and was determined to never give up no matter what obstacles faced him.

His family and friends were always most important to Jim. While we mourn his loss, we are so grateful for our time with him and the happy memories of Jim's beautiful smile and unmatched sense of humor. Jim would say that his goal everyday would be to make people smile – and laugh. He would accomplish this – either at his favorite McDonald's every morning for breakfast or just anywhere at all. He would then return home to proudly recount his many successes in making strangers otherwise known as 'new friends' happy.

Jim's family will hold a Celebration of Life in his honor once restrictions on gatherings have been lifted. In the meantime, whenever you think of our beloved Sweetheart, Dad and Papa, please take the time to make someone smile. The following is a quote that we think reflects Jim's thoughts about the many people he was blessed to meet over the years. Thank you -

"There are no strangers here, only friends you haven't met yet." – William Butler Yeats