James M. Murray

James M. Murray, 73, of Faribault, MN passed away from complications of dementia on Thursday, February 29, 2024 at the Mercy Hospital, Unity Campus in Fridley, MN.

He was born in Hartley, Iowa on December 1, 1950 to Clifford and Evelyn (Dirksen) Murray the second of five sons.  Jim graduated from Hudson High School in 1969 and attended one year at the University of Northern Iowa.  He worked for the City of Hudson for five years, Land O Lakes for 27 years and retired from Northfield Public Schools in 2017.  Jim married Janet Johnson at Sacred Heart Church in Waterloo, Iowa on February 28, 1976.  Together they had three children, Blake, Brianne and Brooke.  Jim excelled and was very competitive in all sports in high school and was his class president.  He was also a volunteer fireman and EMT.  He loved his Iowa Hawkeyes, westerns on TV, all types of music, family get togethers, his bottle of pop and candy bar.  He was an avid golfer and took pride in his lawn.  Most important in his life were his grandchildren.   He attended their hockey games, their concerts, and enjoyed his nightly talks with oldest grandson Ethan about sports.   

 Jim is survived by his wife of 48 years, Janet;   his children, Blake Murray (Erin), Brianne Isaacson (Paul), and Brooke O’Neill (Jason); seven grandchildren, Ethan Murray, Grady, Griffin, Mac Isaacson, Anna, Peyton and Sophia O’Neill; brothers, Ray (Char), Dave (Deb), Ken and Kevin (Kim); mother-in-law, Pat Pearson (Hudson, IA); sister-in-laws, Joan Voda (Steve), Kelly Johnson (Steve Hickey), Angie Hess (Kevin) and brother-in-law, Kevin Johnson (Karen); aunt Verlene Murray and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

 Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Cliff and Evelyn Murray, his father-in-law, Robert Johnson and his step father-in-law, Jim Pearson and aunts and uncles.

 Jim will be greatly missed and leaves a hole in our hearts.

 Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 4, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church in Faribault with Pastor Joe Jorgenson officiating.

 Visitation will be held at the church on Monday afternoon from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.