James Lee Mcmurray (Lansing)

Mr. James Lee McMurray proud husband, dad, granddad, great granddad made his transition to be with his Heavenly Father on Monday. March 30, 2020 at his residence in Lansing, Michigan. Age 83 years. He was born to Chancy and Thelma Doll McMurray in Corsicana, Texas.

James family moved to Muskegon Heights, Michigan when he was a youth. He attended school in Muskegon School District and graduated from Muskegon High School.James loved sports and was an avid basketball player and played throughout his teen years. He attended college before joining the Army where he was stationed in Germany. While in the Army he was once again able to play on the Army basketball team. After completing his military service time he returned the United States and began a career with the State of Michigan. James held multiple positions during his 42 years of service until he retired in 2018.

James loved all sports, but most of all he loved fishing, antique, thrift stores, garage and yard sale shopping. He loved his family, church family and especially his wife, Elizabeth. James had a reputation as a “sharp dresser”. He was always fashionably dressed from head to toe.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife Elizabeth; one daughter, Tracy McMurray ButterField; two grandchildren, Kamill McMurray Smith, William Butterfield; three great-grandchildren; fourteen step-children; four brothers, Chancy (Francio) McMurray, Louis (Doris) McMurray, Robert (Caria) McMurray, Samuel (Edna) McMurray; two sisters, Audra McMurray, Alva Loper; his Robinson Memorial Church Family; special niece, Audra Richard of Houston, Texas; very special nephew, Bishop Dennis James McMurray of Grand Rapids, Michigan; and many other relatives and friends.