JAMES MURRAY
MR James ‘Jimmie’ Murray passed away peacefully at the Royal Blackburn Hospital on Sunday, January 31, aged 88, with his dearly loved children, Stephen and Cathy, by his side.
A devoted family man, Jimmie was a much loved husband, dad, grandad, great- grandad, father- in- law, brother, brother- in- law, and uncle, with a legendary sparkle, trademark twinkly smile and huge sense of fun, which endeared him to everyone he met.
Jimmie leaves his beloved wife of 63 years, Lilian, their devoted son and daughter Stephen and Cathy, son- in- law Pete and daughter- inlaw Katherine.
Jimmie was also treasured by his seven grandchildren Donna, Vicky, Daniel, Louise, Katie, Stephen and Danielle and his 16 great- grandchildren Megan, Millie, Max, Maisie, Amy, Libby, Remy, Lewis, Elijah, Niamh, Erin, Jessica, Josie, Grace, Freddie and Daisy, all of whom remember the laughter and fun they shared with him.
Born and brought up in Stacksteads where he ran wild and free with his cherished brothers and sisters Bill, Dave, Franny, Maria and
Hilda.
He leaves his youngest sister Hilda, sisters- inlaw Celia and Cathy, brother- in- law Jack and many nieces and nephews across the country.
After his National Service in the Air Force Jimmie worked in retail, both in shops and on markets, later working in various slipper works for the majority of his working life.
A keen and talented sportsman in his youth, he played football for St Joseph’s and Bacup Borough and cricket in various works teams.
His love of sport continued throughout his life and he was an avid fan of many sports, including football, cricket, golf, tennis and horse racing, to name a few.
Jimmie’s long, well lived and happy life was celebrated at a requiem mass at St Peter’s Newchurch on Wednesday, February
10, and he was later laid to rest in peace in Stacksteads Cemetery, with a view of the moors and fields that he loved.
He will be forever in our hearts; a gentle man and a true gentleman, it’s impossible to think of him and not smile.
His wonderful legacy lives on in his children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren who will carry on weaving sunshine, just as he showed them.
The family wishes to pass on our heartfelt thanks to everyone for the outpouring of love, support, kindness and tributes and, of course, for all the happy, fond and precious memories shared at this time, these are all priceless and mean so much, thank you all.
Funeral director: Anthony Johnson Funeral Services Ltd, Bacup.