James Murrow

James L. Murrow died Friday, Oct. 21, 2005 at the Woodland Hills Good Samaritan Village, Brainerd, Minnesota, aged 97 years, 5 months and 15 days.
He was born May 6, 1908, in Bethlehem, Wayne County, Iowa, a son of Jesse L. Murrow and Pearl Diemer. In 1926 he graduated from Corydon High School and then attended Drake University in Des Moines where he majored in Education. He first taught in the Derby, Iowa, school, and in 1930 he accepted a position as principal at the school in Redfield, Iowa. There he met his future wife, Vesta Martin, the daughter of Charley N. and Flora York Martin, and they were married April 17, 1931. After teaching a few years, Jim changed his profession and went into sales. Over the years he sold home appliances, was a manufacturer's representative for several boat and outboard motor companies and also sold car wash franchises. For many years he was active in the Elk's and Oddfellow's organizations, and in the 1950's he was a member of the Minneapolis Aqua Jesters, a group of businessmen that entertained as clowns during the summer Aqua Festival. He was an avid photographer who appreciated the beauty of nature; he loved to travel and also enjoyed tools and working with his hands.

He is survived by Vesta, his wife of almost 75 years, a daughter, Jane Murrow Atherstone of Hemet, California; a son, Jon L. Murrow of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota; five grandchildren, Mark Atherstone of Mesa, Arizona; Stephanie Lundgren of St. Cloud, Minnesota; Stephan Murrow of St. Petersburg, Florida; Adam Murrow of Fukiyoka, Japan; and Anna Murrow of Maple Grove, Minnesota. He is also survived by five great-grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Rondel Murrow, and three sisters, Irene McArdle, Mayda Ryan, and Bernadine Terrill. Interment will be in Brainerd, Minnesota.