James Thomas Murray Sr.

James Thomas Murray Sr., age 82, of Mildred, PA, passed away Monday morning, April 22, 2024, at the Robert Packer Hospital Towanda Campus. 

Jim, as he was known by his family and friends, was born on March 13, 1942, in Scranton, PA, a son of the late John P. and Dorothy Hoover Murray. He was a lifetime Sullivan County resident and grew up in Murraytown and attended Turnpike High School in Mildred. He honorably served his country in the United States Army from February 26, 1964, until February 25, 1966, during the Vietnam Era. After being honorably discharged he served in the Reserves until 1970.

He married the former Sara Jean “Sally” Fries on January 21, 1967, in St. Basil’s Church in Dushore. This past January they celebrated 57 years of happy wedded bliss. 

He worked at Osram Sylvania in Towanda and retired in 2004 after 38 years of service.

He was a member of the IHM Parish and served as an usher at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Mildred. He was also an active lifetime member of the McDermott Post #452 American Legion in Mildred, where he served as a past Commander. Jim was also a member of the White Ash Land Association where he served as a past board member and president of the club. He also coached the Ber-Mil little league team for several years. 

He enjoyed spending time outdoors whether it was hunting, fishing, or trapping. However, his greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He always looked forward to supporting and watching his grandchildren play sports. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend and will be missed by all who knew him. 

Surviving:

Wife:

Sara J. “Sally” Murray                                       at home

Two sons and a daughter-in-law:

James T. Murray Jr.                                           Mildred, PA 
 Scot and Leanne Murray                                   Dushore, PA 
 

Grandson: 
 Ryan Murray                                                      Dushore, PA 

Granddaughter:
 Emily Murray                                                     Dushore, PA 
 

Two sisters: 
 Margaret Fries                                                    Asylum Twp., PA

Dorothy Fritsch                                                  Mildred, PA 

Four brothers and sisters-in-law:

Robert “Bill” Murray                                        West Burlington, PA 

Charles and Sandra Murray                               Murraytown, PA 

Gerard “Jerry” and Diane Murray                    Dushore, PA 
 Edward and Barbara Murray                            Dushore, PA 

Brother-in-law and sister-in-law:

Douglas and Patsy Fries                                    Pineville, LA 

Sisters–in-law:

Patricia Griffin                                                   Tunkhannock, PA 

Helen Fries                                                         Wysox, PA 

He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Besides his parents he was predeceased by a brother John J. Murray on August 29, 2011, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Harry W. Fries Sr. and Frances Barratt Fries, and brothers-in-law: David Fritsch on January 21, 2005, Gerald F. Fries Sr. on December 7, 2021, Joseph L. “Frosty” Fries on April 26, 2002, Harry W. Fries Jr. on May 26, 2009, Ronald N. “Fuzzy” Fries on June 6, 2010, and Timothy J. Griffin on March 12, 2023 and sisters-in-law: Wanda M. Murray on March 19, 2021, Mary Lou Fries on June 26, 1944, and Margaret “Sue” Ruda on December 1, 2007. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at 11:00 AM in St. Basil’s Church, Dushore, PA, with his pastor, Rev. Thomas J. Major, presiding. Interment will follow in St. Basil’s Cemetery, Dushore, PA, with Military Honors accorded by members of the McDermott Post #452 American Legion and members of the United States Army Funeral Honors Detail.     

Members of the McDermott Post #452 American Legion in Mildred are asked to assemble and pass in review at 10:55 AM on Saturday morning, April 27, 2024, in St. Basil’s Church, Dushore, PA.

There will be no calling hours before Mass begins at 11:00 AM.       

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Basil’s Church, PO Box 307, Dushore, PA 18614 in loving memory of James T. Murray Sr.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Homer Funeral Home, 206 Water St., Dushore, PA.

To send condolences or sign the e-guestbook, please go to www.homerfuneralhome.com.