James Edward McMurchie

McMurchie, James Edward of Minneapolis, age 88. Passed away peacefully July 3rd, 2019. Preceded in death by father - William, mother - Irene, brothers Lyle & Eugene. He leaves behind his wife of 68 years, Doris, whom he loved from the moment they met until the day he died. 5 children, Katherine (Arnie), Susan (Tom), Daniel, Michael, Lori (Larry). 5 grandchildren. 10 great grandchildren. Jim was a lifelong athlete playing softball until age 86, he was a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, coach, mentor, friend, a sweet and patient man with a wonderful sense of humor, who led through his actions and will be greatly missed. Jim’s coaching career began in Milwaukee Wisconsin as a player coach at age 13. His team won the City Baseball Title at Borchart Field that year for “The Stars of Yesterday” Youth League. Jim graduated from Edison High School, Class of 1948, and continued his education at Hamline University prior to start of the Korean war, which changed his course with educational interests and temporarily halted his athletic pursuits. Jim served in the Korean war, with wife Doris by his side, he tried out and was blessed to earn a position as a starting pitcher for the DesLant Destroyer Navy Baseball Team. Notably, starting and winning the Atlantic Fleet Championship game in 1952. Jim later received offers from Major League Teams including the Pittsburg Pirates, he chose to join the Baltimore Orioles… an injury ended his pursuit of a Major League baseball career, but he continued pitching in Town Team ball for Columbia Heights and Shakopee which was the premier league in the pre-Twins 50’s and 1960. Jim played and won championships in Baseball and Basketball throughout life, including the Senior World Series softball title in 2007 with the Minnesota Legends. Jim also umpired many softball and baseball games, tournaments and championships series in Minnesota as an early member of the Gopher State Umpires Association beginning in the early 1960’s thru the early 70’s, along with other umpires, “one of those stories of officiating recently aired on WCCO”. In Jim’s words, his greatest accomplishments were his kids… they have all found success in their own way! He was a role model and very devoted to his grandchildren and great grandchildren, sharing life’s lessons in important ways. Jim coached many boys’ and girls’ teams that his kids played for during the late 60’s thru mid-70’s, where some of these teams won City Championships in Baseball and Football. Jim was an early supporter of girls’ sports and coached Flag Football and Basketball for the Minneapolis Girls Youth League. Private memorial service was held for immediate family on July 8th, 2019. The family wishes to encourage donations to youth sports programs. What we have once enjoyed We can never lose. All that we love Becomes a part of us. Helen Keller

Tributes

James Edward McMurchie

July 26, 1930 - July 3, 2019

Tributes

James Edward McMurchie

July 26, 1930 - July 3, 2019

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