Obituary: James V. Murray

James V. Murray, 86, of Dewey, Ariz., passed away peacefully on Feb. 19, 2012. James was born Aug. 10, 1925, in Eldorado, Ill., to the late James E. and Vivian (Allyn) Murray.

He lettered in every sport while in high school, and boxed in the Golden Gloves during the Depression with 13 pro fights that resulted in 13 wins. His first means of transportation was a 1928 JD 74 Flathead Harley. As his skills as a rider increased, he was approached by Harley Davidson to become a part of their racing team, which he had to decline, as he had enlisted into the service of his choice 24 hours prior to his 18th birthday before he was drafted.

James served as a WWII Navy radioman, and tail gunner on a TBF. After serving in the Navy, he returned and went to work as a guard at Statesville Prison in Joliet, Ill., before relocating his wife, Barbara, and four children in 1959 to a small ranch in north Phoenix. He then became a Chevron dealer for more than 20 years at a dealership located at 12th Street and Northern. The family then moved to Scottsdale, Ariz., where they continued to enjoy the activities of fishing, hunting, camping and horses. Jim and Barb moved to Prescott, Ariz., in 1986.

He is survived by his wife Barbara of 61 years; son John of Dewey; daughters Dena of Colorado, Susan of Dewey and Tina of Prescott; brother Bob in Illinois; four grandkids; five great-grandkids; and one great-great-grandchild. He will be missed dearly, as he has gone fishing to that cabin on the lake.

Services will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 14, 2012, at the Prescott National Cemetery, Prescott, with military honors. Please visit www.heritagemortuary.com to sign Jim's online guestbook

Information provided by survivors.


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