James E. Murray “Yank”

James E. Murray, "Yank", 76, of Hendersonville, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2013, at the Elizabeth House and is finally at peace.

He was born Jan. 17, 1937, in Providence, RI and grew up in Dudley, MA. He was son of the late James H. and Doris Harrington Murray. He was also preceded in death by Gloria M. Murray, and his brother Tom Murray.

Jim graduated from the University of Massachusetts at Lowell, and began working for Cranston Prints in 1958, was transferred to Hendersonville, where he remained for the rest of his life. After 40 years, he retired as Superintendent of Printing at Cranston when the Fletcher plant closed in 1998.

He was a devout member of the Hendersonville Country Club since 1963. For 45 years he was a member of a foursome at the Club known as the "11:11 Gang". As close friends, this group had a long-standing tee time of 11:11am every Sunday. Members of The Gang were Jim, John Holley, Buck Buchannan, and Bill Stokes. Jim was known for his overwhelming generosity and dedication to the passions in his life: his church, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, where he was a member for 51 years; the game of golf; the Boston Red Sox; his involvement with several charitable organizations; and of course, his loving family.

Jim was a quiet man with quick wit and subtle humor. His consistent, strong presence as a friend, father, and grandfather will be missed greatly. Where the world has lost a great man, Heaven has gained an amazing soul.

Jim is survived by four loving children and their families, his son, James H. Murray II and his wife Mindy; and granddaughter Haley; his son, Michael A. O'Connor and his wife Laura, and grandchildren Jason, Tennille, and Amber; his son Thomas J. O'Connor and his wife Rhonda, and granddaughters, Kim and Heather; his daughter, Tracy O'Connor-McGraw, and her husband Richard, and granddaughters, Megan and Kelly; four great-grandchildren; and siblings, Pat Cullen, Steve Murray, Mary Early, and Mark Murray.

A graveside service with military honors will be at 3 p.m. Saturday in Forest Lawn Memorial Park. A visitation will be from 1:30-3 p.m. in the chapel at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, prior to the graveside service. There will be a gathering with the family at the Hendersonville Country Club following the service. Memorials may be made to Four Seasons Compassion for Life, 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731 or Interfaith Ministries, PO Box 2562, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

A guestbook and sympathy cards are available at www.forestlawnhendersonville.com.

Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.