JAMES “JIM” THOMAS MURRAY, 77, of Punta Gorda, Florida passed away Sunday, March 5, 2017 at Fawcett Memorial Hospital, Port Charlotte, FL.

Jim was born August 21, 1939 in Mount Vernon, Illinois to the Joe and Mary Murray. After graduating from high school in Mascoutah, Illinois in 1957, he became a Journeyman carpenter while working in Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin and later a construction superintendent for the family business, T&M Construction Consulting, based in St. Paul, Minnesota.

The Murray family moved to Punta Gorda in 1975. He continued to pursue a career in construction management working for ERB Construction and Wayne Goff Construction in Charlotte County and Mahaffey Bros. Construction in Manatee County. Inspired by his police chief grandfather, Jim pursued his interest in law enforcement by joining the Reserve Unit of the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office in 1978. He attended the state law enforcement academy and became a certified deputy in the State of Florida in 1982. In 2008, he retired after 36years of volunteer service to his community leading the Reserve Unit as Major in his last 7 years. Desiring to meet the need to develop interest in law enforcement careers among local youth, he became the Explorer Senior Advisor to the Charlotte Sheriff’s Office Explorer Unit #29 and served for 13 years.

He was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Punta Gorda for 42 years and devotedly served in a multitude of positions. As an amazing Grandfather, he invested in his 7 grandchildren and enjoyed supporting their pursuits. Hunting and fishing were considered his hobbies. He enjoyed attempting new ventures, dabbling in cattle, Christmas tree sales, and saw sharpening. He was a hard-working and dependable man with a tremendous sense of humor who lived life to the fullest, with integrity and a servant’s heart.

Jim is survived by his loving family, his wife of 57 years, Joyce M. Murray; a daughter, Lisa Turner; grandchildren, James, Jonathon, Justin and Jarrod Murray, and Joshua, Benjamin and Kacie Turner; a brother, Joe K. Murray; and great grandchildren, Jordan, Kaisley, Jaxson and James. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Murray Thorp and his son, Bradley Murray.

Visitation will be held Thursday evening, March 9, 2017 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Roberson Funeral Home Punta Gorda Chapel. Funeral services will be held Friday 2:00 PM, March 10, 2017 at the First Baptist Church of Punta Gorda, 459 Gill Street, Punta Gorda, FL 33950. Entombment will follow at Charlotte Memorial Gardens, Punta Gorda.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Charlotte Lawmen, Inc., a non-profit softball team organized by Jim’s son Bradley to provide law enforcement academy scholarships. Donations can be made at the Charlotte State Bank Punta Gorda Branch or checks may be sent c/o James B. Murray, 23239 Weatherman Ave., Port Charlotte, FL 33954.

Friends may visit online at www.robersonfh.com to extend condolences to the family. Arrangements by Roberson Funeral Home Punta Gorda Chapel.