James Murray Obituary

Taylors, South Carolina
James Allen Murray, 78, affectionally known as "Baby Jim, Jim, and Jimmy" was born February 18, 1947, and peacefully passed away at home in Taylors, SC on Wednesday September 10, 2025. He was the son of the late Doshia V. and Ruben J. Sherman.
His legacy will live on through his children, Sharell (Willie) Grant, Tammy Murray and Tony Griffin; grandchildren, Jarvis King, Jamarcus Parks, and AJ "J Baby" Griffin; great-grandson Jace Parks; beloved sister Cheryl Elaine Sherman; favorite niece Shuarica (Scott) Watson; great-nephews, Scott L. Watson and Devarte` Watson (preceded in death); great-niece Scotasia Watson; great-great nephews Jace Watson, Kyler Watson, Zayden Watson, and Greyson Watson; great-great niece Skylar "Sky Baby "Watson and special cousin Bobbie Jones, along with a host of other loving family and friends.
Jim's influence and wisdom inspired more than a generation. He was a Class of 1965 graduate of Lincoln High School and Class of 1969 graduate of Claflin University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Math and Science. He began his career in the Greenville County School District at his alma mater, Lincoln High School, in 1970. He would later return to the classroom at Clemson University, where he earned a master's degree in Counseling and Guidance Services. He retired from the Greenville County School District in 2006 then returned as a substitute teacher until 2017, totaling 48 years of dedicated service.
Jim was a trailblazer, having worked through the ranks as a classroom teacher in a segregated school to becoming one of the earliest African American educators at Greer High, Carolina High, Blue Ridge High, Greer Middle, Northwood Middle, Riverside Middle, Parker Middle, Tanglewood Middle, and Hughes Academy. After retirement, he taught as a substitute for an additional eleven years at Eastside, Riverside, Hillcrest, Berea and Travelers Rest High Schools.
Jim dedicated his life to working in the church and to the education and career development of students to prepare them for high school and college. He has an annual scholarship, "Mr. James A. Murray Scholarship" established (2022) in his honor by the St. Mark Higher Education Team.
Jim was a 59-year member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., (Omega Man #2). His life's mission and affirmations were, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" and "May the Works I've Done Speak for Me."
Funeral service will be Wednesday, September 17,2025 11:00am at Saint Mark United Methodist Church with burial to follow I the church cemetery. The public viewing will be held at the church prior to the funeral service beginning at 10:00am.
Please keep the Murray family in your prayers. The Murray family would like to thank you for your prayers and support during this time. Please take time to sign the online guestbook and share words of encouragement for the family to read.
The Murray family is being cared for by Sullivan Bros. Mortuary Inc. and Cremation Centers of South Carolina LLC.
To send a flower arrangement in memory of
James A Murray, please click here to visit our sympathy store.