The Rev. Jay J. McMurren

1928 - 2018

The Rev.  Jay J. McMurren obituary, 1928-2018, Salem, OR

BORN

1928

DIED

2018

FUNERAL HOME

Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service

605 Commercial St SE

Salem, Oregon

Jay McMurren Obituary

The Rev. Jay J. McMurren
March 7, 1928 - Jan. 31, 2018
There will be a memorial service for long-time Oregon priest, the Rev. Jay J. McMurren at 1 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018. The service will be at Prince of Peace Episcopal Church, 1525 Glen Creek Rd. N.W. in West Salem. There will be a reception following the service at the Salem Convention Center.
McMurren, 89, suffered a heart attack and died with his wife at his side. Jay McMurren was born March 7, 1928 in Jennings Lodge, Milwaukie, to Jesse and Eva Rogers McMurren. He graduated from West Linn H.S. in 1946, where he earned his letter in basketball. McMurren attended University of Oregon, then enlisted in the U.S. Navy. McMurren graduated from University of Oregon with a BA in Business in 1953 and met and married his first wife, Barbara Diane "Deanne" Smith in June of that year.
McMurren worked for IBM in Salem and Portland. While attending St. Bartholomew's in Portland he discerned a call to the priesthood. He attended Virginia Theological Seminary, then returned to Oregon. He served St. Matthew's in Eugene and as well as Chaplain at U of O. He was called to serve as the Rector of Grace Memorial Episcopal Church in Portland, serving for 20 years.
In his 49-year tenure as a parish priest, McMurren also served many roles at the Episcopal Diocese of Western Oregon. He chaired the Committee for Restructuring the Diocese (1970-1972) and completed multiple terms as a member of the Board of Trustees, Standing Committee, and Diocesan Council. He was a consultant for the Leadership Skills Institute and a founding member and consultant for the Diocesan Stewardship Commission. With others, he founded the Commission on Alcohol Recovery and served as a search consultant and led and mentored the early Interim Training Group.
Jay's first wife, Deanne died in 1982. He married Margaret Morse Martin in 1984. As ordained priests, Margaret and Jay received assignments in Salem. After retiring from St. Paul's, Jay McMurren went on to serve as interim pastor at churches in Dallas and Silverton. For the last eight years he has assisted Margaret at Prince of Peace.
McMurren is survived by his wife, The Rev. Margaret McMurren; son, Scott McMurren and wife, Christy; daughter, Mary Anne McMurren and husband, Jeff Sprague; stepsons, Michael Martin, Bill Martin and wife, Laura; and stepdaughter, Elizabeth Martin Lehfeldt and husband, Paige Lehfeldt. He is survived by eight grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter. Assisting the family is Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service.
Please sign the online guest book at www.oregonlive.com/obits

Published by The Oregonian from Feb. 9 to Feb. 11, 2018.
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Memories and Condolences
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Margaret , I just heard today of Jay's passing. He was one of the sweetest men I have ever known. I am so sorry for your loss. Last time I saw him was at the hospital when I was just starting my Cancer battle. He gave me the best hug and it made me cry. The world will not be the same with out him. Hugs to you Margaret and to your family .

Debra Ray

March 27, 2018

Father, thank you for giving me the space to grow and be Me. Thank you for never giving up on me. Blessed are you for leading me towards His light by giving me the best advice I've had in this lifetime. After 30+ years since leaving Portland and your Grace, I sought to find you, to tell you how important you are to me and to express my eternal gratitude for all you taught me in my youth. With bittersweet sadness, I learned that you just recently left this earth to reside in the Heavens, to shine so brightly above us all. So unto you and all who hear- I remember Father! And my prayers were heard and He showed me all I was meant to know and share. Peace be with you.

Jenny Cates

March 5, 2018

I knew Jay when I was growing up in Jennings Lodge. He was a very special person. I was happy that he was able to preside at my Dad's funeral. God Bless.

Darel Mack

February 17, 2018

Jay was a super addition to our yoga class at the YMCA. He was very good at yoga and such an inspiration. He will be missed. I always enjoyed visiting with him as we put our shoes back on after class! My sincere love and thoughts go out to his family and friends.

Kimera

February 16, 2018

My deepest sympathy to you Mary Anne and Scott. I remember Father Jay so very fondly as the head of St. Matthew's when I was a child. My Momma and Daddy were first in line to great him in Heaven,I am sure.

Jeannie Arps

February 16, 2018

A real true, genuine, very special man. Jay was at the U of O at the SAE House when I attended college there. Can't say enough nice about him.

Dick Othus

February 15, 2018

Father Jay and My Father, Donald Smith grew up together and were dear friends and it was so great every time we saw Father Jay over the years. He had wonderful stories and memories. He will be missed.

All our Love,
Dawn Smith Porter,
West Linn, Or and Fountain Hills, AZ

Dawn Smith-Porter

February 15, 2018

I'm so sorry for the loss of Father Jay. I will always have fond memories of him when he served interm at St. Edwards in Silverton.

Elizabeth Magee

February 13, 2018

Mary Anne,
My Sympathy to you and family in the loss of your father. I do not recall meeting him in person, but do recall hearing what a wonderful person he was.
Kind regards!

Peggy Bartelt

February 12, 2018

From an era at Grace Memorial, I was blessed to know Father Jay and Margaret and her young family. My two sons, Andrew and Alex thrived in the small church school while my wife, Judy, served as a lay reader and in adult activities. Margaret and Jay have lived outstanding lives, which I have followed in the Diocese and we are all so blessed to have known them. Thanks Jay and Margaret may you continue to thrive in your good work.

Doug Montgomery

February 11, 2018

Dear Scott and MaryAnn, if you can remember your days at St. Matthews in Eugene, maybe you will remember the Urych's.....how we loved your family. My prayers are with both of you, your families and Margaret.......God certainly took another angel home. Love and Prayers, ShirleyAnn Urych Wimberly

ShirleyAnn Wimberly

February 11, 2018

Father "Jay" was a most amazingly wonderful Priest and man!
He possessed a truly remarkable calmness and insight that few people enjoy.
To Margaret and the family I express my profound sympathy at your Loss of this True Man of Our Lord!
His Loss is ours--The Gain is Heavens

Patrick McCusker

February 11, 2018

Dear friend remember the scripture :Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

E Castillo

Neighbor

February 8, 2018

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Memorial Events
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Feb

17

Memorial service

1:00 p.m.

Prince of Peace Episcopal Church

1525 Glen Creek Rd. NW, West Salem, OR

Funeral services provided by:

Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service

605 Commercial St SE, Salem, OR 97301

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