James Joseph Murray III, age 79, passed away at his home in Willow Springs on Sunday February 1, 2026. He was born in Queens, NY on December 20, 1946 to the late James Joseph Murray Jr. and Marion Homan. In addition to his father and mother, he is also preceded in death by his sisters, Patricia Wirsing and Ann Rocco.

The family will receive visitors at Parrish Funeral Home in Selma, NC on Thursday February 12, 2026 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A funeral service will be held in the chapel of Parrish Funeral Home on Friday February 13, 2026 at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow in Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Goldsboro on Friday at 2:00 PM.

He is survived by his sons, Edward Murray and husband Rick of Palm Coast, FL; James Murray and wife Nancy of Clayton; brother, Lawrence Murray of Florida; sisters, Joan Murray of Puerto Rico, Ellen Krause of South Carolina; grandchildren, Melanie, James, William, Evan, and Taylor; great grandchild, Troy; Partner, Gina Wheeler.

James served his country in the United States Army and was a proud member of the Vietnam Veterans of Smithfield, American Legion and Disabled Veterans of America.