MURRAY, JAMES F.

James F. Murray, 86, of Court St., Middletown, died on Monday at ford Hospital. Born on April 13, 1930 in Middletown, son of the late James and Mary (Sheehan) Murray. He was a 1948 graduate of Middletown High School where he was very active in many sports. James had been a ident of Portland before moving to Middletown. He served in Germany as part of the U.S. Army, ing to Middletown in 1954 where he worked with his father as a mason for many years. He also worked for Pratt & Whitney and retired after 30 years. After his retirement, he took up a part time job with the Chamber of Commerce where he would cate with Middletown Main Street merchants and businesses on a personal level. He was referred to as the Mayor of Middletown. He was also a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians of Middletown where he was honored as Irishman of the Year in 1988. He was also a lifelong member of St. John Church, Middletown. James enjoyed a trip to land with his brother, Jack, and nephew, John, to see where his family was from. James is survived by his loving family: 2 daughters, Lisa and son in law, William Buggie of Cromwell, Sheryl Major and son in law, Lee Sparks of East Hartford, 2 ers, Richard Murray and sister-in-law, Maureen, and Dennis Murray and sister-in-law, Mary Ellen, both of Middletown, a sister, Eileen, and brother in law, Lyle Mark of MA, 4 grandchildren whom he loved dearly: Justin, Gina, Ryan, Reed, and also several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother and sister in law, Jack and Ann Murray. The funeral will be held on Monday at 9 a.m. from the Coughlin-Lastrina Funeral Home, 491 High St., Middletown, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St.John’s Church, Middletown, at 10 a.m. Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery, Middletown, with full military honors. Friends may call at the funeral home on Sunday evening from 5 until 7 p.m.