Our History of Service
David Murray, Cabinet Maker, Upholsterer and Undertaker first offered funeral services to the people of Newcastle in 1884. The proprietor, David Murray, was the son of Patrick Murray, a mining engineer from Cumnock, Scotland, who worked for the Australian Agricultural Company.
Initially, the business traded at 51 Hunter Street, but as the business grew, along with the city of Newcastle, David Murray opened a branch in Beaumont Street, Hamilton. Additionally, the growing company commissioned and built a two-storey factory in Cameron Street, Hamilton, that employed seventeen cabinet makers, including David's six sons. The factory produced large quantities of handcrafted furniture that was sent all across NSW, and much of this valuable furniture may still be found in homes across the state today.
Since Newcastle's population was small at that time, it was difficult for funeral directors to survive unless they traded in conjunction with another business. Coffins were made as the individual need arose and funerals were conducted at both the Newcastle and Hamilton premises.
David Murray retired in 1914 and the two businesses were separated. The furniture business was sold to David's brother, James, while the family funeral business was retained by his son, James Murray.
James Murray relocated his part of the business to the present site at Broadmeadow in a new house and wooden factory. The firm still produced handcrafted furniture for delivery in a horse-drawn vehicle that served as a canopied funeral vehicle when required.
Back then, James Murray served Morisset and the Lake district by train and parts of Lake Macquarie were serviced by launch from Cockle Creek. Funerals directed at these locations at this time would take all day because of the distance and lack of speedy transport.
The business purchased its first motor hearse, a Chrysler, in 1926. Later, in 1946, James Murray's cars and staff were employed by the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester on an official visit to Newcastle. Today, James Murray's fleet of sleek hearses and limousines service all areas of Newcastle, Port Stephens, Lake Macquarie, and surrounds.
The company joined the Australian Funeral Directors Association in 1937, and subsequently, in 1945, James Murray's son, David Murray, was appointed Manager. The official company James Murray Funeral Directors Pty Ltd was formed in 1954.
The name and business of James Murray grew during the sixties to become synonymous with courtesy and dignity, and in 1966 opened a chapel in Blackall Street.
During this phase of business, David Murray made a personal commitment to in-house staff training, a commitment that continues to this day. Many professional members of the funeral industry today are able to pay tribute to their initial training at James Murray Funeral Directors Pty Ltd.
John David Murray joined James Murray Funeral Directors in 1961 after completing his Leaving Certificate, working with his grandfather James and his father David as the fourth generation, and continuing the family business.
Starting at the bottom of the ladder, John had to learn all aspects of the funeral industry, including casket manufacturing and polishing, since the company made it own caskets until the 1980's, as well as arranging and conducting funerals. John, as control officer, organised the day-to-day movements of the staff, and was joint managing director with his father David Murray until his death in 2002.
Following the death of David the company was inherited by John and his wife Elaine and they managed it together until the change of ownership in 2006.
The Future...
Is courtesy and dignity:
Remember our name. James Murray Funeral Directors Pty Ltd gives you
the choice. It's up to you. Do you want a dual service, first at a church or
chapel, then at a crematorium or cemetery? No problem. Or, do you want an
elaborate formal event? A simple private farewell in a chapel or other
private venue? James Murray will help. Our professional, trained and
dedicated staff will assist you with every decision. They will guide you,
advise you, and provide you with the support you need. It is our privilege
to serve you — then, now, and in the future.
02 4961 1435
James Murray
Then...
In the years preceding the Second World War large and elaborate funerals with street processions and rigid social guidelines were the norm.
Now...
Today each family has individual requirements, varying faiths, and different needs for a funeral. Our community is diverse and multicultural. James Murray has changed to reflect this. Each service is designed to reflect individual wishes.
A Newcastle Family Company
Since 1884
