James “Jim” Murray Jr., 88, son of the late James and Lucy (Taliger) Murray passed away at home in Plymouth on June 8, surrounded by his family. He was just weeks away from his 89th birthday, a milestone he was excited to reach.
Born on July 12, 1936, in Lynn, Jim lived a full and distinctive life marked by loyalty, humor, hard work, and a deep connection to home and family.
Jim served in the U.S. Navy before beginning a nearly 40-year career with the United States Postal Service. After retiring, he found a second act working at the Regal Independence Mall movie theater in Kingston where he became a local favorite. Regular moviegoers often asked about him, and his coworkers loved his sharp wit and memorable presence.
He lived in Plymouth from 1976 onward and was a longtime member of Saint Peter’s Church. At home, Jim found joy in tending his yard, caring for his bird houses, and growing tomatoes in his garden. He loved to swim in the ocean, spend time at the beach, and take trips with family, especially to Myrtle Beach, one of his favorite places.
Jim shared 63 years of marriage with his wife, Betty Ann, who remains in the home they built together. Over the years, they fostered more than 20 children and raised seven of their own. He is survived by daughters Cheryl Ceurvels, Marianne Murray, Tracy Freeman (and her husband Todd), Rita Murray (and her partner Melissa), and Cassandra Murray. He was predeceased by sons Michael and Richard, who are buried at Vine Hills Cemetery in Plymouth, where Jim will now be laid to rest beside them.
He was the proud grandfather of Richard Murray-Burns, Emily, Joshua (and his partner, Olivia) and Jack Freeman, Scott Ceurvels Jr., and Darianna Marini; and great-grandfather to Eliza Freeman. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Ellen Joseph, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Jim didn’t always say much, but he showed his love in his own way. When his children said “I love you,” he’d reply with a simple “Me, too”, a phrase that came to mean everything. And anyone who spent time with him will remember how, whenever he went to talk to one of his kids, he’d rattle off nearly every other sibling’s name first — sometimes even the dog’s — before landing on the right one. It was a running joke in the family and was always met with laughter.
Jim’s family extends their deepest gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and medical teams who cared for him with such compassion during his final weeks at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Plymouth and Cranberry Hospice. A special thank you to Jamie Ann, who lovingly sat with and comforted Jim in his final days. Your kindness will never be forgotten.
Visitation will be held at the Cartmell-Davis Funeral Home, 150 Court St., Plymouth, on Thursday, June 12, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. A funeral service will follow at 12:30 pm. Burial will follow in Vine Hills Cemetery, Plymouth.
In lieu of flowers, a donation in Jim’s memory can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place • Memphis, TN 38105