Obituary of James A. Murray

James Abbott Murray, 89 years of age, of Wayne NJ passed on Monday, May 15th 2017. James was born in Newark and joined the US Navy at the age of 17, Carpenters Mate 3rd Class where he earned the Theatre Medal, Asiatic Pacific Medal and Victory Medal. After his time in the service he came back to New Jersey and married the love of his life Phyllis. After marriage they resided in Pompton Lakes for 40 years. While living in Pompton Lakes they were devout members of St. Mary's Parish where James enjoyed teaching CCD for 25 years. In the later part of their lives, James and Phyllis moved to Wayne and have been there the last 25 years as members of Our Lady of the Valley Parish. James worked for A&P Supermarket for 50 years as the friendly face behind the counter as the Meat Manager, retiring in 2014. James is survived by his wife Phyllis Murray; sons James G. and Perian Murray of Pequannock and Glenn C. and Linda Murray of Pompton Plains, Patrick Monahan of Wayne, daughter Alanna M. and Dr. Joseph Schauer III of Colts Neck; 12 grandchildren, Jessica Vanaman, Aimee Danchise, Bethany Monahan, Ryann Holmes, Joseph Schauer IV, Breena Murray, Jimmy Monahan, Corey Schauer, Kyle Murray, Alannah Schauer, Bryan Murray and Meghan Murray and four great-grandchildren. He is survived by hundreds of nieces and nephews, too many to name, a large family indeed. He was predeceased by his parents, Peter and Kathleen Murray of Newark and his eldest daughter, Colleen Monahan of Wayne. James was a lover of dancing, music, singing, his family, good Scotch, St Patrick's Day, the ocean and most of all his beloved wife of 66 years. Visiting hours will be Friday, May 19, 2017 from 4-8 p.m. The funeral will be Saturday, May 20, at 8:30 a.m. at the funeral home followed by a Mass at 9:30 a.m. at Our Lady of the Valley R.C. Church, 630 Valley Rd., Wayne which will be celebrated by Father Peter Filipkowski. Interment will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover. Memorial donations may be made to alz.org, The Alzheimer's Association.