James L. Murray

James L. Murray

July 11, 1922 - July 29, 2020
Mission Viejo California

James L. Murray

July 11, 1922 - July 29, 2020
Mission Viejo California

Obituary

Jim Murray left us July 29th 2020 after a short illness at the age of 98.  Jim lived a long and large life. Jim was born in Pennsylvania, then his family moved to California where he attended Hanford High School and met Blanche, his lifetime sweetheart and wife of 69 years.

Married at 19, Jim worked as a foreman at Lockheed Aircraft for the war effort and returned there after serving in the Navy. Later he went into business with his family and co-founded Murray Manor in the Stanton Mansion in Anaheim. Murray Manor was one of the first shopping centers in Orange County and was a very successful family business for 20 years.  His career really took off when he started managing design centers for new home builders, first for the Mission Viejo Company where he retired as a Vice President.  Retirement was not his strong suit, so he was soon recruited by Baldwin Co. home builder for another 10 years. During those years he became a very significant figure in Orange County’s flooring industry serving as President of the Southern California Flooring Association and received many other industry awards. Some of his contemporaries even referred to him as a “Legend” in the industry.  At 75 years old, he retired and was recruited again to help a granite fabrication company sell counter tops to the home builders. Partnering with his son Tom, the Murray’s became the highest grossing counter top sales team in Orange County.

Jim had a fun-loving personality and enjoyed being around family and friends, playing golf, going to casinos and boating.  In fact Jim water and snow skied into his 90s.  Jim was also blessed with many friends and will be greatly missed.   Jim is survived by his sister Betty Jane Dunn, his daughter Carol Parker, his son Tom Murray, three grandchildren, Truman (Tap) Parker, Shellie Parker and Devin Murray, and three great grandchildren, Zakkary, Bradley and Zayne. We are so fortunate to have had this great man in our lives for such a long time.  In fact, reflecting on his own life Jim often said, “Would you believe, Almost Perfect” which was also the name of his boat.

 

Graveside Service

  • Date & Time: August 17, 2020 (11:31 AM)
  • Venue: Riverside National Cemetery
  • Location: 22495 Van Buren Blvd. Riverside, CA 92518 - (Get Directions)
  • Phone Number: (951) 653-8417

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5 responses to James L. Murray

  1. Thank you so much for all your kindness, love and generosity, Jim.
    You’ve always been such a fine example of how one can live their life to the fullest, by attitude alone, and that will stay with us forever.
    You set the bar so high, without even meaning to, simply by being the incredible person you are.
    I cannot think of anyone so worthy of respect and admiration as you.
    Your zest for life, sense of humor, gentleness of spirit and open heart always kept us coming back for more.
    You made each and everyone of us feel so special, Jim.
    Thank you so much for it all!
    With so much love, respect and admiration, Debbie

  2. Thank you so much, Jim!
    You were always so welcoming to everyone.
    Father’s Day weekends at the river were something I always looked forward to even though I only was able to participate in two of them.
    You were so warm, kind and accepting of everyone, new and old.
    You will be greatly missed.
    I’m so thankful to have met you and I send you lots of love.
    Fondly, Sarah.

  3. No words can describe the loss that is felt by all who knew this amazing man. Every so often, that one special person comes along, who loves everyone, judges no one, and believes the best in everyone. That is Jim Murray. I was lucky enough to be his niece. My memories I will hold are those of playing rummy with him and my daughter, watching TV with him, and It’s A Wonderful Life, every Christmas Eve. i enjoyed his company, and cooking for him–even though I wasn’t as good as his wife or daughter! lol..He had that way about him that made everyone feel especially loved. My loss is my loss, but so many others have lost a father, a grandfather, a great-grandfather, an uncle and a friend, in this man. He isn’t ‘Almost Perfect’ anymore! He is Perfect!

  4. My heart is so saddened. I was thinking of you this morning and Google’d your name, as I would on occasion. James L. Murray you made a BIG impression on me! I was your youngest Design Consultant for The Baldwin Co. back in the mid 1980’s. I was only twenty-three. I am now fifty-eight. You remain my most favorite boss of ALL time. You took me under your wing and patiently taught me so much! You were always so upbeat and fun….did I mention fun?? All the ski trips to Mammoth with the whole crew, including Tap & Shelley! Also, when you’d take us to Market in San Francisco. It was a DREAM JOB! And, YOU were such a pleasure to work for! Your smile, your heart and INFECTIOUS POSITIVITY will always remain with me. “Would You Believe Almost Perfect” was your signature reply when someone greeted you. I love what your niece wrote above……”He isn’t “Almost Perfect” anymore…He is Perfect”! AMEN! God Bless you James Murray, you are missed.

  5. Thinking of you Uncle Jim. Love and miss you.

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