James John MURTAGH Sr.

MURTAGH James John Sr. Jim Murtagh, 86, passed on October 4, 2010 at his home. Jim was born on May 4, 1924 in Toledo, Ohio to Alma and Owen Murtagh. Jim graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1942. After a year at the University of Notre Dame, he entered the Navy Program for Officer Training. He became an Ensign and was assigned to the aircraft carrier "The Bennington" in the Pacific Ocean. He remained in the Pacific Ocean until the end of World War II. Jim returned to the University of Notre Dame and graduated in 1948 receiving a business degree. Jim learned his work ethic from a young age at his father's grocery business. Following graduation, he went to work for his uncle, James J. Gerity Jr., in the die casting business in Adrian, Michigan. He received U.S. patents on his manufacturing equipment. Later in Jim's career he was president of Gerity-Schultz Corporation. After the death of James Gerity Jr., Jim took over Gerity's companies with his brother, William (Bill) O. Murtagh. These included Gerity Broadcasting Radio and Television, Lee Travel Agency, Gerity Cable, Gerity Schultz Die Casting and Gerity Products, Inc. Jim also followed his father, Owen Murtagh's interest in land development and trailer parks. Jim retired in 2005, closing Gerity-Schultz Corporation. He married Janet Bartley Diethelm in 1956 and they raised four children. Jim loved his family. He always encouraged his children and grandchildren to succeed in their chosen endeavors. Jim served as a mentor to many young businessmen and entrepreneurs. Jim was active on the St. Vincent Medical Center Board of Trustees, Tarta Board, and the Executive Board of the Labor Management Committee. He felt it was very important for labor and management to work together and he spent many hours trying to promote this concept. Jim was an active member of Gesu Church for 73 years serving on their board. Jim belonged to the Toledo Club, Inverness Club, The Hermits, and was a past president of the Notre Dame Club of Toledo. Jim is survived by his wife of fifty-four years, Janet D. Murtagh; his children, Jim Jr., Judy (Stan) Schulz, Jean (Mark) Hillman, Joyce (John) Stengle; his grandchildren, Katie Rose and Peter Schulz, James, Grace and Mark Hillman, Janet, Julia, and Jenna Stengle, his brother, William (Bill) Murtagh (Joanne), his sisters, Eileen Korhumel (George) and Alma Kenney, and many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alma and Owen Murtagh; his aunt, Mary Shea, and his uncle, James J. Gerity Jr. Burial services will be held on Friday, October 8, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at Calvary Cemetery, Parkside Blvd., followed by a Memorial Mass of the Resurrection at Gesu Church, 2049 Parkside Blvd. at 10:30 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ursuline Sisters, 4045 Indian Rd., Toledo, OH 43606 or to a charity of the donor's choice. Arrangements by the Walker Funeral Home 419-841-2422. Condolences may be shared with the family at: www.walkerfuneralhomes.com