Obituary of Jim Murray

October 3, 1935 – Galt, Ontario

May 14, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Jim lived a good and long life.

Born to Evelyn and George Murray in Galt, ON, during the heat of the 1935 World Series, he was the first of six children. He leaves behind his siblings, Janet Orr, Marg Metcalf, Jean McAllister, Doug Murray, Barb Saychuk, and their families.

Jim studied engineering at Queen’s University. Always a proud alumnus, those were happy days.

Upon graduation and receiving a job offer in the West, he moved to Calgary to begin a career in oil and gas exploration with Gulf Oil. There, he met Jean Ann Wallace, who would become his wife of 63 years. Together, they spent nearly two decades overseas, living in Lagos, NRA, London, ENG, and Dublin, IRE, with their children, Doug (deceased 2005), and Diana (Craig Kinsman, Maeve, and Adam), before eventually returning to Calgary.

Jim was an avid golfer and curler into his 80s. In retirement, he directed his energy toward championing the sport of curling. For years, Jim taught countless Calgary junior and senior high school students how to curl. He instructed and coached many junior curlers in technique, strategy, and teamwork. There was a room in the basement for slider repairs. His car’s trunk was crammed with brooms, while bags of clipboards filled the back seat. And he never went anywhere without his trusty green stopwatch. In 2003, Jim’s dedication was recognized with a Calgary Booster Club Honoured Athletic Leader award.

On his in-law side, with whom he enjoyed many Calgary Christmases, he leaves behind Mary Ann Taylor and family; Don Gardner and family; Jim Gardner and family; and Betty Gourlay.

We extend much gratitude and thanks to so many wonderful, caring people who helped Jim through his final year. Special thanks to family physician Dr. Wesam Salem, the staff at Trico LivingWell, palliative homecare nurse Jasper Graveline, and the remarkable staff at Southwood Hospice.

A Celebration of Jim’s Life will be held at Garrison Curling Club (2288 47 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2T 6J9) on Friday, June 14, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Jim’s family here.

In living memory of Jim Murray, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.