James 'Coach' Murray

James Joseph "Coach" Murray, 81, of Parma, died Tuesday, March 19, 2013, at his daughter's residence in Middletown. He was born in Patterson, New Jersey on May 15, 1931 to parents Joseph and Katherine (Gueherman) Murray.

Coach worked as a mail carrier for the United States Postal Service for 30 years, retiring in 1988. He served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict and was a member of the American Legion Post 703 in Parma Heights, Ohio where he served on the color guard. He was a member of St. Albert the Great Catholic Church in North Royalton, Ohio. He coached football & basketball for 50+ years, having coached football at Cleveland St. Ignatius & Toledo St. John's and football & basketball at Parma Valley Forge. He also helped coach basketball & football at Holy Family Parish.

Mr. Murray is survived by his wife, Rosemary (Sefcik) Murray; daughter, Mary Jo (Jeff) Gephart; grandson, Jimmy Gephart; brothers, Joseph (Polly) Murray & Dr. J. Douglas (Eunice) Murray; sister, Kathy (Russ) Metzger; and sister-in-law, Maureen Murray.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Dr. John T. Murray & Justin Murray.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, March 23, 2013 at 11:30 am at Holy Family Parish - St. John's Church, 1405 First Avenue, Middletown with Father John Civille as celebrant. Visitation will be prior to the service from 10:00 - 11:00 am at Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding Funeral Home, 3805 Roosevelt Blvd., Middletown. Interment will be at Woodside Cemetery with military honors conducted by the Middletown Combined Honor Guard.

Memorial donations may be made to Hospice Care of Middletown, 3909 Central Ave., Middletown, Ohio 45044.

Funeral Home:
Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding
3805 Roosevelt Blvd.
Middletown, OH
US 45044