Dr. James Joseph Murray

Dr. James Joseph Murray, 79, passed away in Saratoga Springs on June 21st, 2026. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and doctor - Doc Murray served as a devoted community doctor in Saratoga Springs for over five decades.

On October 24th 1946, James Joseph Murray was born to James Clarence Murray and Mary Agnes Metzger Murray in Utica, New York. He attended Broadalbin High School, where his dad was the principal and he became a record-setting student athlete. He then enrolled at The College of Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts where he played collegiate basketball, famously playing against Kareem Abdul-Jabaar's UCLA in Madison Square Garden during the 1968 National Invitation Tournament. He spent summers playing shortstop for the semi-pro baseball team, the Amsterdam Rugmakers. Continuing his education upon graduating, he enrolled at Upstate Medical College in Syracuse, New York, where he received his Doctor of Medicine degree. He then completed his training at St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center as a family medicine resident, eventually becoming a board certified physician.

A devoted family man and lover of all things sports, Doc continued to share his passion of golf with friends and family until his very last day. He was a gracious giver, an endless supporter, a family patriarch and a cornerstone of Saratoga's community medicine. He lived each day fully and selflessly and gave so much to his family, his friends and his patients. The void he has left in our hearts cannot be measured, but his character, his love, and his legacy will always be remembered.

James Murray is survived by his wife Lisa Murray. His children: Brendan (Cindy) Murray, Rory Murray, Ashley Murray, Taylor (Evan) Danieli, Jimmy Murray, and Kyle (McKenzie) Klopstock. His grandchildren: Shea Murray, Lexie Murray, Jack Murray, Tessa Murray, Lily Murray, Tyler Murray, Maecy Rickman, Jaedyn Murray, Nolan Danieli, Demi Danieli, Burke Klopstock and Keene Klopstock. His siblings: Peter (Jackie) Murray, Kerry Murray Sise and Pamela (Stanley) Murray Wojtowicz, along with nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Doc is now reunited with his beloved son Ryan Patrick Murray, his sister Patricia (David) Brooks, his niece Maria Brooks and his parents James Clarence and Mary Agnes.

In honor of Doc’s generous and giving spirit, the family encourages all who knew him to join in celebrating his wonderful and illustrious life. Doc’s mission in life was to help as many people as possible. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for help fulfilling that wish by conducting a random act of kindness, whenever fitting, on his behalf.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, July 2, 2026 at 11am at St. Clement’s Church, 231 Lake Ave.

Burial will be private.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com