Search by Name

Search by Name

James Murray Obituary

Msgr. James H. Murray

AGE: 83 • Denville

Msgr. James H. Murray, 83, died on Sat. June 14, 2014 at Franciscan Oaks Health Care Center in Denville, NJ. Monsignor was born and raised in the Little Dublin section of Morristown, NJ and graduated from Bayley High School in 1948. He went to Seton Hall University and graduated with a BA in Philosophy in 1952. He continued his religious education at Immaculate Conception Seminary in Darlington, NJ and was ordained a Priest on May 26, 1956 in St. John's Cathedral in Paterson, NJ. He later received his Masters' in Education from Montclair State University in 1971. As a Priest in the Diocese of Paterson his first assignment was as Assistant at St. John's Cathedral until becoming Pastor of St. Brendan's RC Church in Clifton from 1966 until 1967.

It was at that time that he became Director of Bayley-Ellard High School in Madison, NJ until 1971 when he was named Pastor of St. Mary's RC Church in Denville where he remained until his retirement in 2007. Father Murray received the honor of Monsignor in 1989 by Bishop Frank Rodimer. He had felt a strong commitment to God, his family as well as to his community. While in Denville he helped St. Mary's grow and he helped to start many successful outreach programs. He was active in many community organizations, Denville Lions Club, PRIDE Council, Denville Chamber of Commerce, He was the Chaplin for the Denville Fire Dept., the Denville Police Dept. and for Denville P.B.A. Local #142. He founded the Joey Bella Fund and he had received several awards for his volunteerism. He received Denville Rotary Paul Harris Fellow and St. Clare's Hospital Mini Bowl Award.

Msgr. was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Our Lady of the Lakes Council #3359, Walter J. Barrett Fourth Degree Assembly #0659 Boonton, NJ. Member of the Order of Alhambra Aurora 55 Caravan, in Hasbrouck Hts, NJ . in Paterson, as well as Life Member of the Paterson Girl Scouts Council and he had sevred as the Diocese Director of Scouting. Monsignor had received the Golden Pirate Award from Seaton Hall University, and he was inducted into the Bayley-Ellard Hall of Fame in 1991. He had been a member of Spring Brook Country Club in Morristown and he had been a member of PHI DELTA KAPPA Fraternity at Montclair State University.

He is survived by his four nieces and nephews Ret. Lt. Col. Steven ( Diana) Goodsky-Hertig of Chesapeake, VA, Michael Hertig of Morristown, Margie (Rick) LaMotte of Ludlow, MA and Anne (Charlie) Garrison of Lake Hopatcong, as well as his loving great nieces and great nephews Ian and Jamie, Michael Jr. and Jennifer Hertig, Alissa LaMotte, Jesse, Nikki and Jimmy Garrison.

A Liturgy of Christian Burial Mass will be held on Friday June 20, 2014 at 10:00 AM at St. Mary's RC Church Rt. 46 and Myers Ave. Denville, NJ. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 2:00 to 8:00 PM in the Church. Donations are being accepted to St. Mary's Prep, Technology Dept. 100 Route 46 Denville, NJ 07834. Arrangements are being handled by Norman Dean Home for Services Denville, NJ www.normandean.com. Please share a memory of Monsignor by lighting a candle on our web page.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Record on Jun. 17, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for James Murray

Not sure what to say?





Billy Kamphausen

June 11, 2025

Father and Msgr. Murry will Always be in My Thoughts and Prayers for ever!

Billy Kamphausen Bloomfield Hills,MI.

Billy Kamphausen

June 11, 2023

Father and Msgr. Murry has been and will continue to be in My Thoughts and Prayers for ever!

Billy Kamphausen Bloomfield Hills,MI.

Barbara Ahern Mary Diver

July 5, 2014

Our deepest sympathy to Msgr. Murray's loving family. We came to know Msgr. Murray at St. Pius in Montville and always enjoyed his great sense of humor and his love of sports. He truly was a people person and a wonderful priest who always brought a smile to our faces. God bless...

Kathy & Tom Natoli

June 22, 2014

We had the honor and pleasure of being married by Monsignor Murray in 1987. He was a wonderful priest and advisor during our pre-Cana. We became Pre-Cana leaders in our church in Texas. He was a big part of that decision. We are proud members of Murray's Mob and wore the shirts while we lived in Ca. and Texas. He baptized our daughter Katie while he was in Ca. We were blessed to have Msgr. Murray be a part of our family.

Michael Carfaro

June 20, 2014

God bless and may you rest in peace

Larry Flanner

June 19, 2014

Went to Bayley Ellard when Father Murray was there and later did work for Msgr. Murray at St. Mary's. He was always fair both at discipline at Bayley and business at St. Mary's. I will certainly miss you as will all of my classmates at Bayley. God Bless.

Art Mc Cune

June 19, 2014

Msgr. Jim was a good family friend in "Dublin". Our mothers were great friends and we spent many happy times in Manasquan Beach.

I know he was loved in Denville.

Rest in Peace.

Rich and Jan Nichols

June 19, 2014

Msgr. Murray was a great, warm, humor-filled presence at St. Pius Church. What an incredible attitude and love for people.

June 18, 2014

Went to st Mary's till 1975 & msgr was there ...he worked with mom & dad to create the miniatures & dollhouses show as a school fund raiser...that lead to msgr & dad in a friendly sharing of techniques of dollhouse building woodworking & gardening... At dads funeral msgr gave dad a send off to bigger & better. Gardening & woodworking with The Lord ... Guess msgr will be doing some catching up with dad... Msgr will be missed about town.. Always rem warm evening masses & msgr 's dog would be at mass near the alter with msgr..... Peace be with you msgr... Dorothy A Gergely-Dunn & ( mom)Mrs Dorothy V Gergely ...,Denville nj & Sparta nj...

Terry (Kamphausen) Jansson

June 17, 2014

Monsignor Murray was such a dedicated priest and a wonderful person. He will be greatly missed by many whose lives he touched over the years. Just a few months back, he so graciously accepted our invitation to attend our 50th class reunion from St. John's high school in Paterson. He had such a great time that night with all of us and he added so much humor to the night. I am sure that God will reward him for all the wonderful work he did while here on earth.

Terry(Kamphausen)Jansson

Deac Keenan

June 17, 2014

Ar Dheis De Raibh a n-anmacha Dilis. (May his faithful sould rest at the right hand of God (no doubt about it) Went to Bayley with "Suki" - and he was a great catcher in baseball.

Lisa Wright

June 17, 2014

Msgr Murry was very kind. Loved when he said mass at St pius X all ways had a Joke to say.

Sal, Lynn & Sal Parrinello

June 17, 2014

Godspeed Monsignor...

Bill Colarusso

June 17, 2014

It was a pleasure to know Jim as a friend and customer. He and his little cocker poodle Duff would visit from time to time. He loves Jesus the Lord God now face to face.

Joseph&Chris

June 17, 2014

Father Murray will be missed so very much he was a big part of our family.

June 17, 2014

Thank you all for your kind words. Unk meant alot to us and we truly miss him. He loved his family friends and his denville family.

Billy Kamphausen

June 17, 2014

Msgr. Murry,
You have always been in my thoughts and prayers! We were Great Buddies at St John Cathedral High School in Paterson, NJ!

June 17, 2014

Thank you all for your prayers and thoughts of our uncle. He loved all his friends and family. Thank you for being a part of his life. He will be missed by is all. Anne

Jeff Podeszwa

June 17, 2014

Msgr Murray had the grace to marry my wife and I although she was from a different religion 22 years ago. Your kindness and beautiful speech at the ceremony will not be forgotten.

Terry Jansson

June 17, 2014

Monsignor Murray was such a dedicated priest and a wonderful person. He will be greatly missed by many whose lives he touched over the years. Just a few months back, he so graciously accepted our invitation to attend our 50th class reunion from St. John's high school in Paterson. He had such a great time with all of us and he added so much humor to the night. I am sure that God will reward him for all the wonderful work he did.

Rich & Lynn Maier

June 17, 2014

Many, many wonderful memories of Msgr, Cardiac rehab, St. Patricks Day, The Mini Bowl, Christmas. You will be missed. Rest peacefully in heaven.

Robert Ott

June 17, 2014

Msgr. Murray will always be in my family's heart. Rest in Peace.

Joan & Jim Youngblood

June 17, 2014

May God hold you in the palm of His Hand.
You will be greatly missed "Ralph". We will have the fond memories of vacations, dinners and good times spent together. You were a good friend and always there for us. Will always remember you little sayings. So happy that I was with you when you got you "hole one". Love you, "Lordy"

Linda Wilson Chandler

June 17, 2014

Dear Anne,Charlie, Jesse, Nikki and Jimmy. Sorry to hear about the passing of
Father (Uncle) Jim...I know he will be
missed by the whole family...Wish I could be there to give you all a big hug. Love, Linda

Arnie Manzo

June 17, 2014

Monsignor Murray was a great person and terrific friend..I will miss talking to him about the Seton Hall men's basketball team that he loved so much..I find comfort knowing that he is now united with another good friend ,Frank Mastro.. He will be greatly missed..

Don Theriault, Jr.

June 17, 2014

Heaven just got that much better with your arrival. Your legacy and all you did for St. Mary's and Denville will live forever. Rest in peace Boss.

Showing 1 - 28 of 28 results

Make a Donation
in James Murray's name

Memorial Events
for James Murray

Jun

19

Visitation

2:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

St. Mary's R.C. Church

Route 46 and Myers Avenue, Denville, NJ

Jun

20

Liturgy

10:00 a.m.

St. Mary's R.C. Church

Route 46 and Myers Avenue, Denville, NJ

Funeral services provided by:

Norman Dean Home for Services, Inc.

16 Righter Avenue, Denville, NJ 07834

How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor James Murray's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more