James Murray
James Murray, 78, of Lakeland, Fla., formerly of Falconer, N.Y., passed away Thursday, July 30, 2020, at Good Shepherd Hospice House in Lake-land. He was born Feb. 20, 1942, in Dunkirk, N.Y., to Robert J Murray and Helen Laughlin Murray.
Best known as “Mr. Murray” to family, friends and colleagues, Jim will be remembered for his dry wit and sarcasm. He was an avid sports fan, played golf and always was searching for the next good book or puzzle.
Jim graduated from Fredonia High School, class of 1960. He had various jobs in his early years in The Dunkirk-Fredonia area. He was a milkman, stock clerk, newspaper carrier and grave digger to name a few. He went on to become a patrolman, then detective, for Jamestown Police Department, where he proudly served for 20 years. He was a cop’s cop. He used these skills in his next career as investigator for United Refining Co. until his retirement in 2004.
Jim was a loyal member of the Kendall Club, James-town Police Dept PBA, Lakeland Elks Lodge and Sons of the Legion.
Survivors include his loving wife of 33 years, Al-ice Schwab Murray; sons: Robert (Donna) Murray of Westfield, N.Y., Cliff (Susanna) Denis of Newton, Kans., John (Aleida) Denis of New Bern, N.C., and James Murray of James-town, N.Y.; daughters: Denise (Glen) Klotz Of Dunkirk, N.Y., and Pat Newberry of Silver Creek, N.Y.; 11 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Linda (Don) Cutler; a niece and several nephews
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by grandson, David Wilkes.
Private graveside services were held on Mon-day, Aug. 3, 2020.
Arrangements are by Gentry-Morrison Funeral Homes of Lakeland, Fla.
Condolences may be left at www. gentrymorrison. com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Chapters Health Foundation Good Shepherd Hospice, 3010 W. Azeele St., Suite 120, Tampa, FL 33609.