MIDDLEBURY — James Gordon Murray passed away peacefully at his home in Middlebury, Vt., on June 28, 2020, at the age of 92. He was born in Flint Michigan to John and Mildred (Crocker) Murray.
After high school, Jim enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served for a short time at the end of World War II. He went on to get many degrees starting at the University of Michigan (1950), followed by a Master’s degree from Dartmouth College (1952) and finished with a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Duke University (1955).
He met his wife of 62 years while on a ski trip to Stowe, Vt. Their passion for exercise and the outdoors continued. They were members of the Green Mountain Club and helped start the Silver Streakers bicycle club (for members of a “certain age”). On Jim’s 80th birthday, he biked 80 miles with his youngest daughter through southern Maine. Jim worked for most of his career as a chemist with Mobile Chemical Company and obtained at least 26 patents. In retirement, he volunteered for many years as an EMT for First Response of Middlebury.
Jim will be remembered for his kind, gentle and humble soul, as well as his love of coffee, ice cream and his family.
He is survived by his wife Maija Murray of Middlebury, Vt.; his children Kathy Murray of Nutley, N.J., Anne Murray of Arlington, Mass., and Susan Murray of Kittery, Maine. He will be missed dearly by his six grandchildren: Trevor, Andrew, Anna, Kendra, Grant and Livia. He is predeceased by his beloved son, Thomas Murray, and his brother, Don Murray.
Jim and his family are truly grateful to Bayada Hospice as well as the staff of The Residence at Otter Creek for their loving support.
A private memorial service will be held. Memorial donations can be made in his memory to The Green Mountain Club of Vermont. ◊