08/20/2025
Rest east, Jim. You will be greatly missed! Until we meet again…
We mournfully announce the passing of James “Jim” Claude Murray, on August 14, 2025, at Regional West Medical Center. He passed peacefully at the age of 57, surrounded with over 20 of his closest friends and family by his side. His funeral service will be held at 10am on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at the Gering Civic Center in Gering with Pastor Rick Reisig officiating. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Scottsbluff. It is respectfully requested that in lieu of flowers, memorials in James’s honor be made in care of The Firefighter’s Ministry. Online condolences may be made by viewing James’s memorial page at www.bridgmanfunalhome.com. Bridgman Funeral Home in Scottsbluff is entrusted with arrangements.
Born in Scottsbluff Nebraska, to parents, Sharon and Max, on January 20, 1968. Jim attended valley area schools and graduated from Scottsbluff High School in 1986.
Jim was a proud firefighter and EMT for many years. In the early 90’s, Jim started as a volunteer with the Scottsbluff Fire Department. By 1996, Jim was working full-time with Scottsbluff Fire and part time with Valley Ambulance service. While working fulltime as a firefighter, Jim was an active member of the special teams on Scottsbluff Fire Department. He worked as a diver and hazmat technician. In 2003, Jim hired out with the Union Pacific railroad and continued his public service. He helped power the country with the countless trains he ran and conducted. In addition, while working at the railroad, he met and made numerous lifelong friends and family. In 2019, Jim joined the Western Nebraska Regional Airport Fire Department where he helped train and worked alongside his brothers and sisters. In 2022, Jim rejoined EMS at Valley Ambulance part time. In 2023, Jim left the railroad to work full-time with the ambulance service where he continued to expand his family.
Jim never met a stranger. Every person in the world, to him, was just a friend he had not yet met. Helping people was one of Jim’s passions. He was always there for others whether it was saving their life or simply lending an ear. Jim was always there to help. He also enjoyed going fast whether it was on 2 or 4 wheels. Jim rode motorcycles nearly his entire life. He also was a longtime fisherman and hunter. Spending hundreds of hours hunting with his closest friends and countless hours on Lake Minatare fishing for his prized walleye. Jim also truly believed in the word of God and attended various churches in the valley. Most recently Northfield church in Gering.
Jim is survived by his mother Sharon Clinesmith, son James Murray “Jamie” and girlfriend Jade Thompson; along with his daughter Gina Anthony and her daughter Imani Anthony; his older brother Gordy Wolfe and his wife Denise and their son Taylor; his younger brother Doug Clinesmith and his wife Bambi and their children, Colby, Alecia, Lorenzo and Jakobi.
Jim is proceeded in death by many friends and family who Jim is now at peace with. All who love Jim are welcome.
