James Paul (Jim) Murray, 84, passed away the morning of November 2, 2018 in Lake Jackson, Texas to claim his heavenly place with the Lord and all those loved ones that had gone before him. He played many roles in life - a son, a brother, a loving husband and father. He was a mentor and teacher to many friends and grandchildren. Jim was born to James Edward Murray and Grace Magdalen Brown Murray January 31, 1934 in Amityville, Long Island, New York. He made his way with his mother to Texas aboard an excursion ship by way of Florida landing in Galveston. They joined his father and grandfather in a wallpaper venture. He spent part of his childhood in Garden Villas, south of Houston where he started to school. His favorite companion was a big boxer, Sox. He moved to Galveston where he was enrolled in St. Mary's Cathedral School. This was his first introduction to Christianity--the foundation of his devout religious beliefs today. The nuns were great teachers. The priest was the football coach and encouraged him to play. Thus began a love of sports, especially football throughout his life. He played throughout his school career--sixth grade through college. He lettered every year of high school in Aransas Pass and was selected all state his senior year. During these growing up years he often worked with his Dad who instilled in him a work ethic and helped him develop self confidence. This resulted in an attitude he taught him--to always do the best you could in any job and this carried over to every endeavor. He graduated from Texas A&I with an engineering degree in petroleum and natural gas. Soon after he married his college sweetheart, Manon Ray. After a stint in the U.S. Army and time in Korea he returned to Texas to take a job with Brazos Oil and Gas. The family grew with the birth of Melissa, Joey and Brad. One assignment was in Holland for three years where his youngest son, Eric was born. Through the years he progressed to Vice President of Dow Pipeline Operations for Texas and Louisiana. He began to participate in the Texas Water Conservation Association representing The Dow Chemical Company. He served as president of the association for three years and attended meetings all over the United States and Washington, D.C., Hawaii and San Diego, California. He further developed his strong religious faith by completing the full course of study offered by Bible Study Fellowship. He served as chairman of the Administrative Board for FUMC. One of his favorite activities was participating in the Methodist Men's organization; especially the Methodists Men's annual barbecue. He also served as chairman of the Outreach Committee and as liaison for the Little School and FUMC. With the tragic death of his beloved Manon he became a single father to sons Brad and Eric. As they grew into adults he joined a group of widows and widowers. And once again began to enjoy the company of several lady friends. As time went by he began to enjoy the company of one special lady friend and he and Kaye Jamison were married in September of 1987. They both retired from Dow in 1992 and began a life of travel over much of the United States and the world. They hiked in New England, Colorado and Glacier National Park with an extended car tour of Canada. They traveled to the Greek Isles, China, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, British Isles, Costa Rica, Guatemala and spent time in Peru, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. He missed Antarctica. At home they enjoyed countless evenings dancing at Riverside Country Club. He mixed in hunting at the Snake Ranch and fishing with an annual trip to Rockport for the month of November where he spent countless hours with friends and family, especially grandkids. He was predeceased by his wife, Manon; son, Brad; brother, Peter; and sister, Edith as well as his parents. He is survived by his wife, Kaye; children, Melissa Gioldasis (Sam) of Dallas, Joey Murray (Fiona) of Dallas, Eric Murray (Theresa) of Houston, and Pam Jamison of Austin. Surviving grandchildren are Ryan and Hunter Kersh, Nick and Kate Gioldasis, and Casey, Erin and Haley Murray. Jim's family would like to issue a special thank you to Carebuilders at Home associate Connie Canales for her loving attention and care. Memorial services will be held at the First United Methodist Church, 404 Azalea St., Lake Jackson, November 7, 2018 at 2:00 with Dr. Lynne Settlemyre officiating. A reception will follow.

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