OBITUARY Rev James “JIM” McMurray May 8, 1940 – October 7, 2018 Play Tribute Movie James C. McMurray “Big Jim” a proud 8th generation Tennessean and widely known and respected farmer, businessman, civic, Christian and political leader passed away October 7, 2018. Jim was born May 8th, 1940 to James Frederick McMurray and Josephine Richardson McMurray in Knoxville, TN. The family moved permanently to Tazewell, TN in 1945.
Jim attended Lincoln Memorial University until his father’s death in 1959 when he devoted himself to helping in selling his father’s business interest and assumed the management of the family farms. Subsequently he served as Credit Manager/Transportation Manager of Norris Homes a subsidiary of Midas Corp. In 1975 he entered the Real Estate/Auction business through the purchase of Stone Reality & Auction Co. from Lee Dan Stone, where he remained until his death.
He was a gentle, bright, deep thinking big man who focused his life outwardly to serve his family, friends, and community. He was an active and founding member of Dogwood Heights Baptist Church until his death. He served as minister of Neal’s Chapel Baptist Church for seven years.
He did a weekly Sunday morning sermon on WNTT radio for more than 30 years. He married Sandra Owens of Bluefield, West VA and raised a family of four children. Other than his parents he was preceded in death by one son, Delbert “Del” McMurray, his youngest brother Robert Lynn McMurray and numerous beloved Aunts and Uncles.
Survivor’s include: His loving wife Sandra McMurray Siblings: Fred (Ann) McMurray, JoEllen McMurray Meredith. Children: Chuck McMurray, Tanya McMurray Bledsoe, Robin McMurray LeFevers and husband Travis LeFevers. Grandchildren: Randi Lynn (Josh) Weatherford, James “Ty” (Karrah) Bledsoe, Jackson Del-Owens-Bledsoe, Amber Venee, Alec Charles McMurray, Ashlynne :Kinsee”, Kylie Reece, Alan James “AJ”.
Railynn Grace, Brystal Rayn LeFevers Great-Grand Children: Mason Del Bledsoe Several Nieces, Nephews, cousins and a host of other family and friends. Dogwood Heights Baptist Church will open it’s doors at 9 AM on Sunday the 14th of October 2018 for visitation and signing of the book by members of the community that loved “Big Jim ” McMurray. Deacons of the church will be present from 9 AM to 12 Noon.
Please be aware that the family will not be present until 12:00 Noon for the receiving of friends, which will last until 2:00 PM. At 2:00 PM there will be a celebration of life. Following the celebration of life Jim’s remains will be carried by horse drawn carriage to its final resting place.
The family would like to invite everyone to join the funeral parade from Dogwood Heights Baptist Church to Fairview Cemetery where a graveside service will follow. Pallbearers: His many Grandchildren. Honorary Pallbearers: Birchel Miracle, Bill Walker, Clarence Ford, Gary Hansard, Bobby Majors, David Majors, John Braiden, Grant Saylor and Bob Mocha.
Ministers: Rev. Travis Pressnell, Rev. Bill Duncan and Rev.
Jason Miracle. Singers: Dogwood Heights Baptist Church Choir, Andrea Gibson and Dr. Richard Clark. The family would like to express their gratitude to the many healthcare professionals, including Dr. Richard Clark, Dr. John Acker, Dr. Jeffrey Hirsch, Dr. Tjuan Overly, Dr. Marek Pienkowski, Dr. Tom Livesay, Dr. Paul Hatcher, Courtney Jardet for their extraordinary love and care.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Dogwood Heights Baptist Church. Online condolences and a guest book are available at: www. dignitymemorial.com or coffeyfh.com Coffey Funeral Home are in charge of arrangements.
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