H. James "Jim" Murray

H. James Murray age 81. Former third-generation owner of Mellish & Murray, Co., Jim was with the 120-year-old company for 41 years, serving as its president from 1963-1998. Graduate of Fenwick High School (C'52) and University of Illinois at Champaign/Urbana (C'56). Jim finished his U.S. Army service as a 1st Lt. at the Red Stone Arsenal in Alabama 1957. President of the Suburban Minority Contractors Association of Chicago (SMCA), serving from 1967-72. A founding member of the Industrial Council of Nearwest Chicago (ICNC). Jim was instrumental in transforming the old Wolf Plumbing Building into a business incubator center. Member of the gloriously infamous L'Ecole du Ski de Uncle Louis Ski Club. Jim had a zest for life and passion for boating. Jim proudly noted that they could race their monster of the midway "Donzi Doodles," from New Buffalo, MI all the way to Chicago in 47 minutes (although the roar of the engine could be heard for days). His family remembers him as "The Pied Piper of Fun" who colored outside the lines, urged others to explore life beyond their comfort zones, and, above all, was a loving brother, father, and grandfather. Father of Steven L. Murray, Cari A. Kremer and Debora L. Murray. Survived by brother Charles J. Murray and sister Barbara J. Larter. Proceeded in death by son H.J. Murray III. He leaves a lasting legacy through his 3 children and 10 grandchildren. Private services were held Chicago Yacht Club.