James McMurray

James “Jim” McMurray, 87, of Cambridge Springs, died peacefully at home, on May 3, 2025. Jim was born in Akron, Ohio. He was the youngest child of the late Francis and Gladys McMurray. Jim was preceded in death by Barbara, his high school sweetheart, his rock, and his wife of over 59 years. He was also preceded by all his siblings and their beloved spouses.

When Jim was a young boy, he read the books “Wild Animals I Have Known” and “Ringtail.” He was so struck by how the illustrations helped to bring the stories to life that he decided he wanted to be an artist. His path was set, and he worked hard to achieve that goal. His artistic talent became evident quickly and he began to earn awards for pieces he created. Throughout his youth, he was known for sketching whenever and wherever he could. Animals were a favorite subject and his fascination with learning about and being able to illustrate anatomy began.

After high school, he attended the Akron Art Institute (now the Akron Art Museum), he then went on to earn his master’s degrees from Kent State University. After teaching at Kent State, the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh and Ohio University, he began his career at Edinboro State College in 1969. Jim was proud to have been part of the large and extremely talented group of artists who helped grow the art department into a well-respected art school. He was a key contributor in the development of the MFA programs, and he created and taught anatomy for the artist courses.

Many students who attended Edinboro may not realize that they saw Jim’s work on a daily basis. In 1974 his 30 feet by 7.5 feet mural called “Edinboro Woods” was hung in Van Houten Dining Hall, and it remained there for many years. He designed the logo for ESC which was used until the school became Edinboro University of PA. Jim also painted portraits of all of EUP’s presidents and principals, from Principal Joel Merriman to President Frank Pogue.

Jim, professor emeritus, retired after 30 years of teaching at Edinboro University. He felt fortunate that he found his life’s work in teaching art. He never stopped researching the concepts of light, color, and spatial effects on a variety of subjects, and he was fascinated with the techniques to create a desired image. Jim took seriously the responsibility of helping students learn and develop those same skills and techniques. He was proud of the many students who continued to create art and of those who went on to have careers in art. Many former students visited Jim and stayed in touch with him.

Away from teaching, Jim painted largely for his own enjoyment, finding inspiration from his rural property and throughout Edinboro. He also traveled around the US, Canada, many national parks, Ireland and Scotland to experience the majesty of natural landscapes. He would then spend countless hours putting paint to canvas in an attempt to preserve his interpretation of that natural beauty. Jim would research eras of history to gain enough understanding to paint depictions of historical events and figures. He was also interested in learning from other artists. He had been chosen as a resident associate to work with renowned artists Jack Beal and Oldrich Kulhanek. Throughout his career he received many commissions, primarily to paint portraits. His work can be seen at many businesses and historical societies throughout Erie and Crawford counties. His work is included in several museum collections and numerous private collections, including that of the late Ms. Elaine de Kooning.

After retirement Jim continued to travel but he also volunteered for a number of area organizations, mostly Habitat for Humanity. He took courses at Erie County Technical School so that he could assist Habitat’s master electrician.

Jim was an active guy who enjoyed maintaining his property and learning about the flora and fauna that thrived there. He and Barbara spent decades planting trees and gardens, and he tended to the ponds they had dug long ago. Jim walked in the woods every day, basking in the peace that the nature around him provided. He especially enjoyed taking nighttime walks and sitting by a campfire with family.

He loved spending time with his family, especially when outdoor games, ping pong, cards and darts could be played. His family greatly benefited from his ability to teach them how to do things around the property. He was extremely generous and could always be counted on when a loved one was in need. Jim loved a variety of music, which he always listened to when he was in his studio.

Jim really valued his time spent with friends. He was lucky enough to have friendships that lasted since childhood. Those blessed friendships were long distance, but were nurtured by lots of phone calls, occasional visits, and several trips to a favorite fishing destination. Locally, he and Barbara had a large circle of wonderfully personable friends who made every party and picnic memorable. For decades, the Edinboro Hotel Bar was the favorite meeting place for Jim (known to all there as “Mac”) to connect with friends and colleagues.

Jim was complex. He was a person of great quality who worked hard, was interesting and intelligent and was always learning. He was serious but also possessed a great sense of humor. Jim was a strong guy, and his amazing fortitude was demonstrated daily as his health began to decline. Words cannot adequately express how greatly admired and loved he was by his daughter Brenda and her husband Rory, by his son Devin and wife Beth, and his three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Jim’s memory will be cherished by them all. He will also be lovingly remembered by many nieces and nephews.

Jim will be missed by the large team of dedicated and loving homecare caregivers who became like family to Jim and his closest family members. He could talk and laugh with them and be comforted by them when challenges arose. Their contributions were immeasurably meaningful and will always be remembered.

The Glunt Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., Edinboro has been entrusted with arrangements.

Memorial and burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s name to the Akron Art Museum at: One South Street, Akron, OH 44308 or https://akronartmuseum.org/donate/