James A. Murray, Sr.

James A. Murray, Sr., 74, of Ocean Springs, MS, passed away on Thursday, June 18, 2015 in D’Iberville. Mr. Murray was born in Biloxi to Myrtle Lee Murray and Joseph L. Murray. He lived in Ocean Springs his whole life and was married to Elizabeth Murray for 44 years. He started his career as an Ocean Springs fireman in August 1969 and became Fire Chief on September 1, 1974 in which he remained until his retirement in July 1998. The fire station on Highway 90 in Ocean Springs was renamed the James A. Murray Central Fire Station in honor of his dedication to the city in August 1998. He was a member of St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church in Ocean Springs and the Knights of Columbus. He also served as an usher during mass. Mr. Murray is preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Ida Murray; mother, Myrtle Lee Murray; father, Joseph L. Murray; nanny, Ida Champeaux; brother, Buddy Murray; and two sisters, Audrey Murray and Patricia Murray. He is survived by his children, James A, Murray, Jr. (Rhonda) of Biloxi, Angela Allen (Eddie) of Ocean Springs, Tommy E. Murray of D’Iberville, Tammy L Mallard (Frankie) of Ocean Springs and David A. Murray (Robyn) of Richmond, VA; his sisters, Mary Terry and Jeanie Seymour; fourteen grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter. He was loved and cherished by so many people. He was a great role model. Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 25, 2015 from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, June 26, 2015 where friends may visit from 9:00 am until service time, all at the Oceans Springs Chapel of Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery.