James Murray Information

Back then, James Murray served Morisset and the Lake district by train and parts of Lake Macquarie were serviced by launch from Cockle Creek. Funerals directed at these locations at this time would take all day because of the distance and lack of speedy transport. The business purchased its first motor hearse, a Chrysler, in 1926. Later, in 1946, James Murray's cars and staff were employed by the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester on an official visit to Newcastle. Today, James Murray's fleet of sleek hearses and limousines service all areas of Newcastle, Port Stephens, Lake Macquarie, and surrounds. The company joined the Australian Funeral Directors Association in 1937, and subsequently, in 1945, James Murray's son, David Murray, was appointed Manager. The official company James Murray Funeral Directors Pty Ltd was formed in 1954. The name and business of James Murray grew during the sixties to become synonymous with courtesy and dignity, and in 1966 opened a chapel in Blackall Street. During this phase of business, David Murray made a personal commitment to in-house staff training, a commitment that continues to this day. Many professional members of the funeral industry today are able to pay tribute to their initial training at James Murray Funeral Directors Pty Ltd . John David Murray joined James Murray Funeral Directors in 1961 after completing his Leaving Certificate, working with his grandfather James and his father David as the fourth generation, and continuing the family business. Starting at the bottom of the ladder, John had to learn all aspects of the funeral industry, including casket manufacturing and polishing, since the company made it own caskets until the 1980's, as well as arranging and conducting funerals. John, as control officer, organised the day-to-day movements of the staff, and was joint managing director with his father David Murray until his death in 2002. Following the death of David the company was inherited by John and his wife Elaine and they managed it together until the change of ownership in 2006.