Murray James loved nature deeply. Growing up on ranches in Texas and Mississippi, she became fascinated by the plants and animals around her.
Her passion for the outdoors led her to the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge and the Fort Worth Botanic Garden. Her children, Georgia, Laura, and John, recall spending countless hours with her in the Rose Garden, where they formed cherished memories. “Being outdoors was a big part of our lives,” Laura shared.
Murray embraced her love for nature throughout her 97 years, leaving an enduring legacy in Fort Worth. A Fort Worth native, she graduated high school in Pittsburgh in 1944 and returned to Texas to study biology at Texas Christian University. In 1947, she married John Hatcher James II. Together, they enjoyed fishing and exploring nature on their travels for 64 years.
Throughout her life, Murray dedicated herself to giving back to her community. She began her volunteer work at the Junior League of Fort Worth, where she helped at the Fort Worth Children’s Museum. As a teacher in the Frisky and Blossom Club, she ignited a love for science in young students.
In 1974, she joined the Fort Worth Nature Center as a volunteer. Murray inspired many others to get involved, including Marty Leonard, the founder of the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge Conservancy. “She was a natural mentor,” Leonard said, reflecting on their time volunteering together.
Murray eventually became the president of the Friends of the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge, a nonprofit organization supporting the center. One of her significant contributions was creating an endowment fund through the North Texas Community Foundation in 1985. Rose Bradshaw, the foundation’s president, admired her insight and initiative, saying, “She understood the importance of long-term support for nature.” Just before her passing, the endowment reached $1 million.
In her honor, an auditorium at the nature center was named after her in 2015. Though Murray felt undeserving of the recognition, those around her believed it was a fitting tribute to her contributions. “She had done so much for the nature center,” Leonard noted.
Murray’s children plan to continue her legacy, cherishing the values she instilled in them. “We want to keep her memory alive through community work,” Georgia said.
Beyond her public service, Murray was a loving mother with many interests. She enjoyed reading, painting, and bird watching. “We share so many of her passions,” Georgia added, reflecting on the impact of their mother’s example.
John fondly remembered the laughter they shared, saying, “Her sense of humor is what we will miss the most.”
Murray was preceded in death by her husband and sister. She is survived by her three children and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at noon on February 8 at Greenwood Funeral Home, followed by a reception at River Crest Country Club.
In honor of Murray’s legacy, her family suggests memorial gifts be made to the Fort Worth Nature Center endowment fund.
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