James M. Murray

James M. Murray, 69, passed away Saturday, September 5, 2015 at Toledo Hospital, surrounded by his family.

Jim was born July 12, 1946 in Steubenville, Ohio to Martin and Vera J. (Cich) Murray. He graduated from Catholic Central High School in Steubenville and attended Franciscan University of Steubenville. Jim served our country in the United States Army in the Vietnam War. He married Kay Gilchrist on August 30, 1969 in Jefferson County, Ohio and she survives.

In June of 2009, Jim retired after forty years of employment in the electrical power industry. He began his career with Ohio Edison in 1969. In 1997, he was named president of Toledo Edison. At the time of his retirement, he was president of Ohio Operations for First Energy.  Through the years, he has served on many boards and committees, most recently Lourdes University and as the current chairman for ProMedica Health System board.

He was a member of Holy Rosary Cathedral and an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan.

Along with his wife, Kay, Jim is survived by his son, Martin Murray; sister, Marlene (Regis) Murray-Mehalko, brother, John W. (MaryAnn Lash) Murray; brother-in-law, Kevin (Susan) Connolly and sister-in-law, Lisa (Douglas) Connolly Maher. He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Katherine “Kay” Murray.

Friends will be received Wednesday, September 9, 2015 from 2-8 P.M. at Witzler-Shank Funeral Home, 222 E. South Boundary Street, Perrysburg (419-874-3133) A Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, September 10, 2015 at Noon at the Rosary Cathedral Parish, 2535 Collingwood Blvd., Toledo, OH 43610.

Visitation will also be held Friday, September 11, 2015 from 4-8 P.M. at J.E. Foster Funeral Home, 701 Findley Street, Toronto, Ohio 43964 (740-537-3900). A graveside service will be held Saturday, September 12, 2015 at 11 A.M. at Toronto Union Cemetery. Fr. Thomas Vennitti will provide Jim’s graveside interment prayers.

Full military honors will be provided by the Toronto American Legion Post #86.

Memorial contributions may be made to ProMedica Physicians and Continuum Services, 5217 Monroe Street, Suite A-3, Toledo, OH 43523, Lourdes University, 6832 Convent Street, Toledo, OH 43560, or Bittersweet Farms, 12660 Archbold Whitehouse Road, Whitehouse, OH 43571. Condolences may be made to the family online at www.witzlershank.com or www.jefosterfh.com.

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