James Francis Murnane

James Francis Murnane, 94, of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on July 18, 2023. He was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Patricia Lawrence Murnane, brother Raymond Murnane, sisters Eileen Wardner and Ethel LePage. He is survived by his sisters in law, Agnes Murnane and Rosemary Burns, children Timothy, James, Eileen Murnane, Paula (Buddy) Dukes as well as his grandchildren, Megan (Michael) Codini, Daniel and Kari Murnane, Ben and Patrick Dukes.

He was born in 1929, son of Jerry and Georgina Murnane in Clinton, NY. He was raised on a farm near Chateaugay, NY, attending grammar school in a one room schoolhouse. After graduating from St. Joseph’s Academy in Malone, NY, he joined the Army Air Corps serving in the 16th Communication Squadron Far East Air Force, Tokyo, Japan.

After his service, James studied at State University of New York at Canton, NY graduating in Electrical Technology. He was a member of the Alpha Theta Gamma fraternity and elected student government president his senior year.

In 1953, he married Patricia Lawrence whom he met at Canton. They started their family in Syracuse, NY, while James worked, taught mathematics at Onondaga Community College and completed Electrical Engineering studies at Syracuse University. A job transfer moved the family to Dover, NJ in 1967. He retired from Allied Signal Corp, Morristown, NJ after 35 years as Electrical Engineering Manager. He then took a management position with Jacobs Engineering Corp, Orangeburg, SC, retiring nine years later to Bluffton, SC.

His religious faith was an important part of his life. He volunteered in various capacities at parishes wherever he lived especially dedicating time to the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed skiing, golf, running, gardening and woodworking in his free time. Known for a good appetite, he especially enjoyed dining out, a good Manhattan cocktail and dessert, always dessert.

Donations can be made in his name to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256 877-832-6997 (woundedwarriorproject.org). Funeral Services will be held at St. Francis by the Sea Catholic Church, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina on August 18, 2023 at 10:00 am followed by burial at Beaufort National Cemetery, Beaufort, South Carolina at 2:00 pm.