James A. Murray

James A. Murray

The Most Reverend James A. Murray, 87, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Kalamazoo, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 5, 2020. He was born July 5, 1932 in Jackson, Mich., the son of James Albert and Marcella Clare (Harris) Murray. He would have celebrated his 88th birthday on July 5, 2020.

He attended St. Mary Elementary School, Jackson, Mich.; graduated from St. Mary High School, Jackson, Mich.; and received his Bachelors of Arts degree from Sacred Heart Seminary, Detroit. His additional academic degrees include: Bachelor of Theology, St. John Seminary, Catholic University of America; and a Licentiate of Canon Law, Catholic University of America.

Bishop Murray was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Lansing by Bishop Joseph H. Albers on June 7, 1958 at St. Mary Cathedral, Lansing. Father Murray served as assistant pastor of St. Joseph Parish, St. Joseph, Mich. (June 1958-June 1961). He then became assistant pastor of St. Mary Cathedral, Lansing from June 1961- September 1962. Upon his return from a two-year sabbatical at Catholic University of America, he served as assistant pastor at two other parishes in Lansing: St. Therese, (from June 1964- August 1968 and St. Gerard from 1968-1973) before returning to St. Mary Cathedral in September 1973 as Rector. He also served as Chancellor for the Diocese of Lansing from 1968-1997. In addition he served as Chaplain of the Lansing Police Department from 1972-1997.

Father Murray was named as Honorary Prelate (Monsignor) by Pope John Paul II, June 13, 1993. On November 18, 1997 Msgr. Murray was appointed the third Bishop of the Diocese of Kalamazoo, succeeding Bishop Alfred J. Markiewicz, who died January 9, 1997. On January 27, 1998 he was installed as Bishop at St. Augustine Cathedral. As his motto, Bishop Murray chose "Rejoice in the Lord Always" [Philippians 4:4].

Bishop Murray retired on April 6, 2009. During his more than 11 years as Bishop of Kalamazoo, he was most honored to celebrate the Sacraments with the Catholic community. During his time as Bishop of Kalamazoo he presided over 15 ordinations to the priesthood; ordained 28 men to the permanent diaconate; confirmed 14,394 young Catholics; dedicated 11 new churches and welcomed more than 3,100 new Catholics into the community through the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) held each year during Easter Vigil Mass.

Rejoice in the Lord Always, a collection of Bishop Murray's homilies delivered during his twenty-four years at St. Mary Cathedral in Lansing, was published in 2001.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Clare; his brother, William, and sister-in-law, Mary Helen; his brother John, and sister-in-law, Donna; and his nephews, David Murray and Michael Murray.

Surviving are his nieces and nephews: Tim Murray of Jackson, Mich., Mary Susan "Susie" (Phil) Fischmeister of Horton, Mich., Kellie Bailey of Fair Hope, Ala., Steven (Lauri) Murray of Royal Oak, Mich., Daniel (Trish) Murray of Livonia, Mich., Shellie (Randy) Lagow of Parma, Mich., and Synthia (Tom) Levy of Jackson, Mich.; and many grand nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his dear friends Msgr. Robert Lunsford, Msgr. Thomas Martin, Sr. Joan Meerschaert, Laurie Tichvon, and Colin Tichvon.

An avid sailor in his younger years, especially while at his cottage on Chippewa Lake, his sailboat was aptly named "Innocence." He also enjoyed taking in a good novel and was a lifelong fan of the Detroit Tigers and Lions, though Notre Dame was perhaps his favorite team. Known as an incredibly kind and patient man with a heart that knew no bounds, his presence will surely be missed by his family, friends, and throughout his community.

"My uncle had a wicked sense of humor," said his nephew Timothy Murray. "He was proud of his Irish heritage and young people of all ages loved being around him. He loved being a priest and lived a full and good life. I will miss him as much as I do my own parents."

Reception of The Most Rev. Murray's body will take place on Wednesday, June 10, 10 a.m. at St. Augustine Cathedral, 542 W. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo. He will lie in state from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. with Solemn Vespers, for diocesan and visiting clergy at 5 p.m. The praying of the Rosary, led by Msgr. Michael Hazard, will be at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will continue on Thursday, June 11, beginning at 8:30 a.m. through 1:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, June 11, 2 p.m. at St. Augustine Cathedral with interment at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 2003 Mt. Olivet Rd., Kalamazoo, immediately following Mass.

Please visit The Most Rev. Murray's personal webpage at www.BetzlerLifeStory.com where you may read his Life Story, archive a favorite memory or photo, and sign his online guestbook. At Bishop Murray's request, please do not send flowers. Memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Charities Diocese of Kalamazoo and Newman's Bookshoppe, Kalamazoo. Arrangements by Betzler Life Story Funeral Home, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, 269-375-2900.