James F. McMurray

James F. “Mickey,” “Coach Mac,” “Jim” McMurray, 72, of Raytown, Missouri, passed away peacefully at his home on April 13, 2026. Born on January 23, 1954, in Kansas City, Missouri, he was the beloved son of the late Judy McMurray and James Franklin McMurray, Sr.

A proud graduate of Raytown High School (Class of 1972), Jim went on to attend William Jewell College, where he enjoyed a standout athletic career competing in basketball, baseball, and track. He was also an active member of the Sigma Nu fraternity and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. His love for sports led him to a distinguished career as a teacher and coach. He taught physical education for more than 21 years and coached basketball for over 30 years at the AAU, middle and high school, and collegiate levels—most notably at St. Theresa’s, Avila University, St. Mary’s, and Pembroke Hill. Just days before his passing, on April 9, 2026, he was inducted into the Kansas City Coaches Hall of Fame — an honor that beautifully capped a lifetime of impacting young athletes.

Jim was a devoted family man who cherished time with his children and grandchildren above all else. He coached his own children in sports and made a lasting impression on everyone he met. Known for his great sense of humor, signature hairstyle and mustache (kept perfectly in place with plenty of hairspray), and his trademark tracksuits, Jim was most comfortable on the court or in casual clothes—unless he was coaching, when you could find him in a suit. He was also known for driving entirely too slowly, something he took pride in, as he never received a speeding ticket. He could never run to the store without seeing someone he knew and lived as a personable, kind-hearted soul who loved the Lord and remained a faithful Catholic.

He was an avid fan of the Kansas City Royals, Chiefs, and Kansas Jayhawks, but his greatest joys were being a dad and grandpa. You could often find him napping on the couch with his beloved dog, Sadie.

He is survived by his loving partner of 40 years, Solonnie Dayton; his son, James McMurray (wife Megan), and their daughters, Marlee and Maycee McMurray; his daughter, Katie Miller (husband Jeffry), and their son, Crew Miller; and his son, Aaron Dayton.

A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, from 5-7pm at Heartland Cremation & Burial Society, 6113 Blue Ridge Blvd, Raytown, Missouri 64133. Family and friends are invited to come share stories of how Coach Mac touched their lives.

The family welcomes flowers or donations to the John Knox Village Foundation.