James Joseph Murray Jr.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dearest James Joseph Murray, Jr., on February 20, 2026, at the age of 63. He went by many names including Jimmy, Daddio, Pops, Uncle Jimmy, and JJ … Better known as "Jim".

Beloved husband of Christine "Chris" (Davidson). Loving father of Sean (Kendra), Liam (Hallie), and Ryan. Cherished son of the late James and Marianne (O'Meara) Murray. Dear son-in-law of Albert (late) and Rosemarie Davidson.

Devoted brother of Mary McHugh (late Michael), Therese Dyer, Maureen Murphy (Patrick), Virginia Krueger (Dave), Eileen Glynn (Terry) and brother-in-law of Karen Ritter (late Keith).

Amazing uncle of Brendan McHugh (Colleen), Mary Kate Leiker (Dylan), Katie Buss (Andrew), Erin Mann (Max), Kelly Dralle (Kyle), Bobby Dyer (Shannon), Patrick Murphy (Adrienne), Ian Murphy (Hadley), Maranda Groves (Cameron), Colleen Krueger, Terry Glynn, Danny Glynn, Kyle Ritter (Ashley), Kurt Ritter (Holly), and Keith Alex Ritter (Abby).

Jim grew up in Evergreen Park, a small southside Irish community, with his five sisters. He attended Evergreen Park High School and then Northern Illinois University where he earned a business degree in Economics. It was in these places where he met so many dear friends - friendships that have lasted 40+ years. In Evergreen Park he also met the love of his life, Chris, who was a close friend of his sister Virginia. Although Jim and Chris had known each other since junior high school, they didn't date until after college, and were married in 1988. They moved to Cincinnati for two years. Thanks to some convincing from their dear friends Joe and Cindy Ruggiero, and the proximity to family, Jim and Chris moved to Wheaton. Here they started their family and raised their three sons.

Jim started his professional career at Metropolitan Life, but after a few years moved to Arthur J. Gallagher (AJG). Jim then continued his education, earning a Master's of Law from Loyola University. This steered his career at AJG to many different leadership roles. His 30 years at AJG were marked by commitment, loyalty, integrity, and a great work ethic-values he instilled in those he worked with. When AJG would review prospective merger candidates, they wanted Jim to be involved in the process because he was a great judge of character and had a knack for evaluating whether they would be a 'good fit.' Jim hired great people and believed in treating his fellow employees right. He cared deeply about his coworkers, some of whom became dear friends outside of the office. Ultimately, while Jim loved working at AJG, he always put his family first.

Jim was a great story teller who could talk to anyone and took a genuine interest in their life. He was quick to share his bright and contagious smile to those around him. He loved the outdoors, his 1944 John Deere tractor, our annual Murray Scurry, and a beautiful Michigan sunset. He was always curious, eager to learn, and loved to read. He was an avid reader of history and the daily Wall Street Journal newspaper. He knew the importance of staying active and strong, especially during his health battles. He enjoyed golfing, biking, boxing, and hiking and skiing with his family. Jim planned some amazing and memorable family vacations to do those same activities he loved. Overall, he enjoyed traveling, but during these vacations he primarily cared about the extended time he got to spend with his loved ones.

He was most happy spending time with his family and friends. Weeknights and weekends were spent attending his kid's events when they were younger or gathering to cook good food with friends. Many family dinners would turn into a life learning session for his boys, so much so that he and the family often joked about installing a whiteboard in the kitchen. Extended family gatherings around holidays ended with a long "Murray Goodbye" and the traditional "Murray Wave".

Jim was a man of his values, and taught his boys (and many others) the same. He was honest, empathetic, and loving, cared deeply about people and believed in helping those around him. He said at his own father's 90th birthday toast: "Someone once asked me what I thought God's purpose was for me in life. I said that I thought He wanted me to be the best husband, father, brother and friend." Jim lived true to that.

After 16 years of managing kidney disease, Jim received a "gift of life" kidney transplant in 2011. He spent the next 15 years knowing the importance of good health, a positive attitude when faced with adversity, and the love of family and friends. In 2022 Jim continued to be a steadfast warrior when he battled and beat Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. Through his life and again through additional health challenges, he reinforced the values he wholly embodied: resilience, strength, courage, and endless positivity, all of which are instilled in his family today because of the example he set forth. In his legacy, his family will continue on, knowing he will always be with them.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026 from 1pm to 4:30pm at St. Andrews Golf & Country Club (2241 Route 59, West Chicago, Illinois 60185).

In lieu of flowers, please consider financially contributing to the following important organizations:

Donate Life America
DonateLife.net/Contribute (or mail a check to Donate Life America at 5516 Falmouth Street, Suite 302, Richmond, VA 23230)
Blood Cancer United
Donations: Ways to Give | Blood Cancer United (or mail a check to Blood Cancer United, Attn: Donor Services, PO Box 22324, New York, NY 10087)