James Howard Murray, 88

JUNE 17, 1928 – SEPT. 2, 2016

James Howard Murray, 88, of Spring Twp., Berks County, passed away on Friday, September 2, 2016, at Reading Hospital & Medical Center in West Reading, PA.

Born June 17, 1928 in Birdsboro, PA, he was the son of the late Howard Murray and the late Elsie (Spitzner) Murray. He was the husband of Elisabeth (Bursch) Murray.

James was a graduate of Birdsboro High School - Class of 1946, Dickinson College - Class of 1950, as well as a 1953 graduate of the former Dickinson School of Law. He was Board Director of Conestoga Telephone and Telegraph, Community General Hospital, Daniel Boone Area School District, and Maple Springs Swimming Association. He was a member of Union Lodge #479F & AM., and former President of Berks County Bar Association. In addition, James was one of the founding partners of Miller and Murray, Esq.; Of Counsel for the law firm of Barley Snyder LLC where he retired in 2013.

He was a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church.

Surviving are, son; John H. husband of Cheryl Murray of Medford, NJ, daughter; Diane M. wife of William F. Colby Jr. of Birdsboro, PA., and six grandchildren; Ryan, Kristen, Peter, Abigail, Hannah, and James.

James was predeceased by brother Richard Murray and son Kenneth Murray.

Visitation was held at Dengler Funeral Home, Inc. 144 N. Spruce Street, Birdsboro, PA 19508 on Wednesday, September 7, 2016.

Funeral Services were held at Dengler Funeral Home, Inc. on Thursday, September 8, 2016, followed by interment in Birdsboro Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to: Kenneth J. Murray Memorial Scholarship, C/O Barley Snyder LLP, P.O. Box 942, Reading, PA 19603. (Check payable to: Kenneth J. Murray Memorial Scholarship)

Dengler Funeral Home, Inc., Birdsboro, PA is in charge of the arrangements.