James D. Murray, Jr.

GREECE: Passed away Saturday, July 7, 2007, surrounded by family, after a long struggle with Islet Cell Carcinoma, a rare form of Pancreatic Cancer, at age 74. He fought this cancer for 9 years and never let it interfere with his enjoyment of life. He was able to travel the world extensively during this period. He was priviledged to be able to see the success of his children and watch his grandchildren grow. Jim was born in 1933 in Bayonne, NJ to James and Margaraet(Domitrowski)Murray, who have predeceased him. He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Deanna and children James Murray, III(Candice) of Ganesvoort, NY, Dr. Kenneth Murray(Stephanie) of Brookline, MA and Diane Murray Alsup(Michael) of Palmyra, NY and his six grandchildren; Thomas, Daniel, Andrew Alsup, James IV, Alexis and Emma Murray. Jim was an extremely intelligent and determined man; when he set his mind to something, he accomplished it. Jim's passion in life was flying, expecially flying fighter jets. At the age of 21, he decided to become a pilot in the military and joined the Air Force through the Aviation Cadet Program. He sucessfully completed the program as the Distinguished Graduate and went on for advance training to become a fighter pilot. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He completed 100 bombing missions over North Vietnam flying the F-105. For his heroic actions, he was awarded numerous medals and awards including the Silver Star, 7 Distinguished Flying Crosses and 16 Air Medals. He retired from the Air Force after 22 years of service in 1977 with the rank of Lt. Colonel. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Nebraska through the 'Bootstrap Program' and after he retired he earned an Aeronautical Engineering degree from Syracuse University. Upon retirement from the Air Force, he lived in Syracuse for many years where he flew as a Charter Pilot and shared his passion of flight with others as an Instructor Pilot. Later he moved to Boca Raton, Florida and continued to teach flying for several years, but returned to New York and settled in Greece to be near his children and grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations my be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network(PanCan)2141 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 7000, Elsegundo, CA 90245. Family and friends are invited to call Thursday, 4-8 PM. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, 9:30AM at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 3003 Dewey Ave. Interment in Arlington National Cemetery.