About Us

We strive to provide excellence in service which is why thousands of families have entrusted the care of their loved one to us.

The Story Of Our Company

1884

David Murray, Cabinet Maker, Upholsterer and Undertaker first offered funeral services to the people of Newcastle employing 17 people including David’s 6 sons and operated from 51 Hunter Street Newcastle, and after some years a second branch in Beaumont Street Hamilton. There was a furniture business as well as funeral business.

1914

David Murray retired 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.

1954

The official company James Murray Funeral Directors Pty Ltd formed.

Our Story Continued

1961

John David Murray joined after completing his leaving certificate and proceeded to learn all aspect of the business over many decades. John then became joint managing director until the death of his father David Murray in 2002.

1966

Chapel opening in Blackall Street.

Today

James Murray’s fleet of sleek hearses and limousines service all areas of Newcastle, Port Stephens, Lake Macquarie, and surrounds. James Murray’s chapel is situated nearby in Blackall Street. It comfortably seats 140 people. The Belford Function Centre is also situated close by.

Our Core Values

We constantly strive to be Australia’s best funeral care provider. This is achieved through the establishment of a great company culture that supports and enables staff to deliver the highest of customer service experiences.

Put People First

Take care of staff and suppliers. They will take care of our client families.

Go The Extra Step

Take actions that build lasting connections and loyalty.

Foster A Team Approach

Work calmly as a team across all areas of the company.

Solid Business Integrity

How we do business is as important as the business we do.

James Murray Funeral Home

We offer a large variety of features and services at our Broadmeadow location.

These include:

  • Air-conditioned office with meeting facilities
  • Funeral arrangement rooms and private viewing rooms
  • Reception and private parking
  • In-house multimedia centre, pre-funeral planning departments
  • Mortuary Care Centre

James Murray Chapel

We offer a large variety of features and services at our Broadmeadow location.

These include:

  • Air-conditioned chapel complete with audio visual equipment
  • Catering Area and Facilities
  • Reception and private parking

The Belford Function Centre

The Belford is an ideal venue for a range of functions, and has the flexibility to creatively accommodate your event.

  • Functional, intimate & stylish catering for small to medium groups.
  • The Belford provides tasteful event provisions for funerals, christenings, cocktail functions, and in fact celebrations and occasions of any kind.
  • The space can be themed for a range of occasions, with decorations and audio visual options available to complement any event.
  • We provide a wide array of menu choices from hot and cold finger food, substantial buffet style food, to lighter options such as sandwiches, sweets and pastries.
  • Alcoholic beverages are available by prior arrangement.