James P. Murray, 87, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023. He was the loving husband of Ethel K. (Laudermilch) Murray, to whom he was married for 64 years.

Born in Cornwall, he was a son of the late John W. and Emma K. (Long) Murray.

Jim graduated from Cornwall High School and was a master carpenter by trade. He built most of the original buildings of the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire. He was a member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Annville, where he was formerly a Eucharistic Minister. Jim helped with the Chicken BBQs for the Bazaar and with setting up the booths each year. He was a third-degree member of the Fr. Michael Barrett Knights of Columbus Council #9875 and the Msgr. John J. Lawley #973 4th degree Assembly in Lebanon. Jim was on the building committee during the development and construction of the Church in 1981. He was the last original Brookside Retreat Hunting Camp member and loved to hunt, hike, and take rides around Middle Creek. Jim loved going to his children’s, grandchildren’s, and Sebastien’s musical, sporting, and theatrical events. He loved his family.

In addition to his wife, Ethel, he is survived by four children, Kathryn Suarez, Debra, wife of Michael Gross, Brenda, wife of Frank Ceresini Ill, and Joseph Murray, all of Lebanon; three grandchildren, Jonathan Ceresini, Benjamin Gross, and Adam Gross; one great-grandson, Sebastien Ilus; one brother, Patrick Murray, and wife, Suzanne; two sisters, Mary, wife of Robert Geib, and Ceceila, wife of Kenneth Boltz; one sister-in-law, Rae Murray; and many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and -nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Jennifer Ceresini; two brothers, John Murray and Robert Murray; one sister, Rose Montgomery; one son-in-law, Daniel Suarez; and one sister-in-law, Barbara Murray.

A Funeral Mass will be held Friday, Sept. 29, 2023, at 11 a.m. from St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 125 S. Spruce St., Annville, with Rev. Kevin Coyle as Celebrant. Interment will be private at the Millbach Cemetery. Viewings will be held Thursday evening from 6-8 p.m. at the Kreamer Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 618 E. Main St., Annville. The Rosary will be recited at 7:45 p.m. in the funeral home. An additional viewing will be held Friday morning from 10 a.m. until the time of his Funeral Mass at the Church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to Our Lady of the Cross School, 1691 Grace Ave., Lebanon, PA 17046.