James Murray died on October 7, 2003, in his native Oswego, N.Y. Anatural salesman with enormous integrity, his career began in the early’80s at Express Sound and New West, a rep firm in Burbank, Calif.Murray eventually became Western regional manager for Panasonic/Ramsaand then added the Eastern states. He later handled sales and marketingfor Bose, Tannoy and EAW. An outgoing and charming guy, he had manyfriends in the manufacturing, rep and dealer communities.
Murray survived a car crash in the mid-’90s, in which a tree branchstruck through his midsection; he would later joke about his near-deathexperience. Unfortunately, he contracted Hepatitis C from a bloodtransfusion, leading to complications and major health problems.
James was one of the warmest people I’d ever met, a good friend toall who knew him and will be missed. He is survived by Vanessa (hiswife and high school sweetheart) and his stepson, Joel. A fund has beenset up for Joel’s education. Please send donations in check form to:The Joel Crouse Educational Fund, c/o Tim Schaeffer, 2826 Emily Lane,Simi Valley, CA 93063.
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