The C.L.R. James Institute: Jim Murray Memorial

In Memoriam:
Jim Murray
Director, The C.L.R. James Institute
April 10, 1949 - July 21, 2003

I regret to inform you of the sudden and shocking death of Jim Murray from illness. At this time it would be inappropriate to release any medical details, but I will keep you informed of all publicly available information as well as of a memorial to be planned.

At this moment of transition, I hope you will give your support to the continuation of the Institute's work. I will also continue to answer scholarly queries and otherwise assist, especially as many of you have ongoing projects with Jim and/or the Institute. Please be patient awaiting my replies.

You might also wish to write up your personal testimonies to Jim. You can send them to me, and I will devote a section of this web site to your testimonials.

My own reaction to this tragedy is too personal to post here, but I am sure you can guess what I am feeling.

Best to all,

Ralph Dumain
Librarian/Archivist & Webmaster

Web page for Memorial Tributes

Please see announcements below for information on
the Jim Murray memorial and the Jim Murray Memorial Fund

Burial Notice

On 21 August (exactly one month following Jim's death), I put up a notice here concerning Jim's interment, just after I was informed of the particulars. I've since been informed that the plan was carried through. Yesterday, Friday 22 August, on a beautiful afternoon in a cemetery overlooking Utica, NY, three old friends buried Jim's ashes in the family plot, along with the personal farewell messages to Jim that those who were informed and could respond on very short notice contributed. I was not able to attend.

Please remember that an entirely separate public memorial for Jim in New York will be organized. Also, you are invited to write your own memorial tribute for this web site.

Ralph Dumain, 23 August 2003

Ralph Dumain's Farewell Message to Jim Murray

Jim Murray Memorial Fund

I am now collecting money for the purpose of funding Jim's New York memorial, and to cover some basic operating expenses of the Institute. Contributions are not tax-deductible. I shall be very grateful for whatever you can contribute. Please make checks, money orders, etc. payable to Jim Murray Memorial Fund and send your contributions to:

Jim Murray Memorial Fund
c/o Ralph Dumain
P.O. Box 65972
Washington, DC 20035

Jim Murray Memorial in New York City

Jim Murray Memorial
Saturday, November 8, 2003
1:30-4:30 pm
New York Society for Ethical Culture
2 West 64th Street (at Central Park West)
Manhattan, New York City

Closest subway stops are
66th St./Lincoln Center on the nos. 1/9 (preferable stop),
and 59th St./Columbus Circle on the 1, 9, A, C, B, D lines

We would like to keep formality to a minimum, but some structure will be necessary. If you know you wish to say a few words or tell a story in memory of Jim, please let me know as soon as possible, and indicate how much time you think you will need. We will accommodate everyone's needs as best we can. We will try to reserve some time for the unplanned and spontaneous as well.

In any case, please let me know if you plan to come. Also, if you invite other people who knew Jim to participate, please forward me their names and contact information when you contact them.

If you have any photos or anything Jim wrote to you or anything else that others might like to see, please bring it with you.

If you feel like adding any food to the buffet we're providing, please feel free.

Finally, please consider donating whatever you can afford to the Jim Murray Memorial Fund (see announcement above), to help cover expenses.

Heartfelt thanks to Avis Lang for her central role in organizing this event.

Ralph Dumain, 4 October 2003

Jim Murray Memorial Address by Ralph Dumain

Jim's classmates at Eastchester High School have remembered him

Welcome to Eastchester High School's Class of 1966

and have posted a class photo. (3 March 2006)

Ralph Dumain, Librarian/Archivist & Webmaster

Uploaded 17 August 2003
Last update 3 March 2006
Previous update 11 November 2003