Reverend James Edward Murray, 83, of Oklahoma City, passed peacefully into eternity on November 25, 2016, in OKC, OK, after a long life committed to serving the spiritual needs of his congregation. He is now reunited with Marie, his bride and soulmate for 60 years. James was born in Konawa, OK on November 12, 1933 to James Washington "Wash" and Stella Steed Murray. He was preceded in death by his brother, Bob; sisters, Mildred and Wilma; and his granddaughter, Kelly Beth Cosby of Overland Park, Kansas. James is survived by his daughters, Sharon Ann Wetwiska and husband Larry of Oklahoma City, and Jimmie Marie Cosby and husband Mark of Overland Park, KS; grandchildren, Brent Wetwiska and wife, Summer, Oklahoma City, and Clayton James Cosby, Brooklyn, NY; and great grandchildren, Chase William and Cale Clayton Wetwiska, Oklahoma City. James attended school in Vanoss. James and Marie were married in 1951 in the Garr Corner Free Will Baptist Church, near Stratford OK, where Maries father pastored. James was ordained as a Free Will Baptist minister on August 15, 1954. James and Marie first resided in Ada, OK and pastored the Cedar Grove FWB church before relocating to Clinton, OK in 1956 to start the Clinton Free Will Baptist Church. They continued their ministry in Free Will Baptist Churches in Seminole (1958-59) and Henryetta (1959-62), and then moved to Oklahoma City to accept the pastorate of the Northwest Free Will Baptist Church (1962-83). James ministry flourished in Oklahoma City where he had the opportunity to serve a large and committed congregation consisting of both new and mature believers. After a successful twenty-year ministry, James and Marie moved to Ada, OK where they continued their ministry at Wilson Free Will Baptist Church (1983-96). James and Marie returned to Oklahoma City and then pastored the Yukon Free Will Baptist Church until 2008. In later years, James was a successful insurance executive while pastoring churches part-time. James was a leader in the National Association of Free Will Baptist, serving in a variety of local, state and national roles, including as Chairman, Oklahoma State Mission Board (1958-63); Chairman, Hillsdale FWB College Board (1965-69); National Foreign Mission Board (1970-82); Chairman, National Foreign Mission Board (1977-82); Moderator, Oklahoma State Association of FWB (1976-80). James was most fond of his role mentoring an outstanding group of young Free Will Baptist ministers, who remained dear to him throughout his ministry. James will be buried in Resurrection Cemetery in OKC on Thursday, December 1, 10:00 am, followed by a memorial celebration at First Baptist Church, Bethany, OK at 11:00. Memorial gifts can be made to Free Will Baptist International Missions. (https://fwbgo.com/give/) Memorial Service Thursday, December 1, 2016 11:00 AM First Baptist Church of Bethany 3800 N. Mueller Bethany, OK 73008