James Ray Murley of Allen, TX has gone home, leaving behind a circle of those who loved him.
These words are offered in his memory — small, but heartfelt.
There is no greater gift than the one a parent gives by simply being present.
IN LOVING MEMORY
James Ray Murley
Feb 14 1944 - Apr 25 2026 Apr 25 2026
James Ray Murley left this earth and met Jesus in paradise on April 25, 2026. He was born on February 14, 1944, to Adolphus Ray Murley and Evelyn Marie Jones in Dallas, Texas.
James graduated from Garland High School, Class of 1963. Following his graduation, he married the love of his life, Leta F. Caldwell, on August 16, 1963, and they celebrated 62 years of a loving, amazing marriage.
James was an Army Reconnaissance Combat Veteran from 1966-1968 in the Americal Division, Company E, Fourth Battalion, 3rd Infantry. James was honored and proud to serve his country. James was a mechanical engineer for 30+ years and spent a majority of his career at Rockwell International.
Throughout James' life, he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. He was best known for his big hugs, his love for fishing, and his devotion to his faith. More than anything, though, he loved his wife and his family unconditionally.
James was preceded in death by his parents, Adolphus Murley and Evelyn Jones, his sister, Gatha Sue Byrd, and his children, Janie Danene Murley, Tracey Janine Murley, Stephen Ray Murley, and James Ray Murley Jr.
He is survived by his wife, Leta Murley, his daughter, Belinda Brown and husband Michael Brown of Melissa, Texas, Debbie Hogan and husband Keith Hogan of Arkansas; granddaughter, Courtney Gilbert and her partner Tlaloc Solis of Princeton, Texas, Krysten Stasny and her husband Justin Stasny of Jonesboro, Arkansas, grandson Grant Gilbert of Columbia Falls, Montana, Rachel Hogan, Erin Hogan, and Kailey Thornton, all of Arkansas; granddaughter Chelsi Smith and husband Jesse Smith of Colorado, grandson Joshua Brown of Colorado; great-grandchildren, Lauren and Adam Hartness of Jonesboro, Arkansas, Liberty Stasny, Justin Stasny Jr., and Jac Stasny all of Jonesboro, Arkansas, Lucas Solis of Princeton, Texas, Easton, Emma, Emmett & Emilia Brown of Colorado, and Finnley and Josephine Smith of Colorado.
Visitation will be on Monday, April 27, 2026 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Turrentine Jackson Morrow Funeral Home in Allen, Texas.
A memorial service of remembrance will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at Turrentine Jackson Morrow Funeral Home in Allen, Texas. The service will also be live streamed at the following link: https://celebrationoflife.tv/blog/james-ray-murley. After the service, the recorded live stream will be available for viewing at the same link location. A graveside ceremony will follow at Ridgeview Memorial Park.
Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of James Ray Murley.
