James Edwin McMurray

North Lima - James Edwin McMurray, 86, of North Lima, died early Wednesday morning, November 21, 2018 at St. Elizabeth Boardman Health Center.

Mr. McMurray was born December 7, 1931 in Hubbard, Ohio, a son of Homer and Edith Mason McMurray.

Jim, one of fourteen children, was raised in Hubbard and in the early 1940's his family moved to Boardman. He was a 1949 graduate of Boardman High School and attended Youngstown College. A proud veteran of the United States Army, Jim served in the Korean Conflict from 1952 until 1954.

After the Army, Jim and his wife Ellen moved to El Paso, Texas to work in real estate. After one year in Texas, he returned to Poland and worked for William B. Pollock and later Troll Construction. He went on to work for 10 years with Fred Shutrump & Associates. His career with the Shutrump's began with managing the Grist Mill and the night club. He was then transferred to North Carolina where he managed several hotels including the Voyager Inn and the Hyatt Hotel. Jim's hotel management skills took him and his family to Cleveland, St. Louis, Columbus and King of Prussia.

Returning to the area in the late 1990's, Jim financed and developed Glenellen Assisted Living. Glenellen was sold in 2007.

Jim served on the board of Forest Lawn Cemetery, was a member of Columbiana VFW and the Beaver Ruritan. He along with Paul Easton founded the Church of Glenellen.

Jim leaves his wife of over 66 years, Ellen Wagner, whom he married February 10, 1951; two brothers, Joseph (Barbara) McMurray of Boardman and Dean (Elaine) McMurray of Naples, FL; two sisters, Patricia Spencer of Alpharetta, GA, and Sandra (Charles) Swartz of Waxahachie, TX; one son-in-law, Michael Turner of Stanton, VA; and two grandchildren, Alex (Sarah) Turner of Gettysburg, PA, and Amanda Turner of York, PA.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by a daughter, Marla Turner; three sisters, Betty Blackstone, Joan Jurny, and Peggy McCliment; six brothers, Homer Jr., Donald, Robert, David, Paul and Thomas McMurray.

A funeral service honoring Jim's life will held Wednesday, November 28th, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the Jubilee Christian Church in Canfield with Pastor Jeff Mincher officiating. Jim will be interred at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Boardman.

Friends will be received Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Church at Glenellen, 9661 Market Street, North Lima, OH 44452