James Russell Murray, age 74, of Brodhead, WI, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, June 15, 2012 after a year long battle of fighting cancer. He was born August 29, 1937 in Beloit, Wisconsin, the son of Charles Russell and Josephine (Aimers) Murray. He married Sara Jane Smith in Lake Geneva on February 6, 1957.

James graduated from Beloit Memorial High School in 1956 and began his career as a journeyman meat cutter at Century Super Market, South Beloit, IL. During his career, he worked in markets at Eagle Foods and Piggly Wiggly stores in Beloit/Janesville area. Jim retired from Loglis in 2001 and enjoyed his life-long love of training and working with homing pigeons. He was an active member of the Rock River Racers since 1972. On the weekends you would either find him clocking his pigeons during one of his many races he flew or bouncing one of his grandkids on the end of his knee. He had a deep love for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and they all loved going to see their papa.

He is survived by his wife Sara of 55 years: children: Darnell (Ben) Schuur, Brodhead, Ricky James Murray, Oregon, Jeff (Marsha) Murray, Brian (Kathy) Murray, Brodhead; 9 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren: sisters: Sharen (Leon) Crosby, Karen (Jeff Brannon) Colwel, Kathleen (Douglas) Wallace; and several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, step-father, sisters, Betty Jane and Mary Ellen and brothers, Stanley and Theodore, granddaughter, Jami Lei.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am., Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at the United Methodist Church of Brodhead, with Pastor Hap Itson officiating. A luncheon will follow. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.., Monday, June 18, 2012 at the United Methodist Church of Brodhead. Everson funeral home, Brodhead, is assisting the family.