A man who came to be known as one of the most prolific matchmakers for people in search of the best job and employers in search of the perfect candidate. Now, he’s found the perfect match of all as he ascends to join his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
That’s the way Stephen “Steve Murray, long time owner and operator of Express Employment Professionals in St. Joseph saw his transition after a courageous battle with cancer, never complaining once, only working to honor his personal passion for the Gospel right to the very end on Friday, December 27th, 2019 when he passed away at the Hanson Hospice Center in Stevensville at the too-young age of just 65.
When I first met Steve the passion was readily evident. He and his wife Debra were busy establishing their new employment agency and the dedication was fierce. That was Steve’s nature from day one.
He was born April 15, 1954 in Folcroft, Pennsylvania to Harry & Elsie (Howlett) Murray. He graduated St. James High School and soon began his career in the air freight industry. His family and friends will tell you it was Steve’s passion for business and the success of those who worked to help that was readily apparent over the entire course of his 35 years as an industry executive.
Steve and Debra owned and operated Express Employment Professionals for 12 years and had been members of the St. Joseph community for the last 15 years. Together they shared a strong desire to help others, by building business relationships and serving the community as local business owners.
Steve’s leadership impacted many, as he was selfless with his time and commitment to others. He was a Director of the Gateway Services Board of Directors, President of Societhy of Human Resources Managment, and a Rotarian.
While holding the position of Vice President of a new cargo airline, American International Freight, he served on the board of directors for the Continental Air Freight Association, and one year he was elected the prestigious title of Air Freight Person of the Year. Working with Debra since 1996, they relished the daily challenges of an airline that literally moved the world of freight at night. Their friendship grew strong and in 1999, they married.
Steve loved playing golf and was a true fanatic of all sports. His excitement for professional athletes was contagious… but only if it was a Philadelphia team. Steve enjoyed playing the piano, his family and friends, loved spending time at the beach, playing billiards, reading, listening to music and playing with his dogs. His love for the outdoors kept him active and he enjoyed traveling with Debra.
Steve was a strong man of faith guided by his belief in Jesus Christ, and was an active member of his church, The Chapel an Evangelical Free Church, where he loved to spend time in worship and in the Men’s Ministry. He discipled many as a mentor in the many groups at church and will not be forgotten by those who he impacted to make a personal difference in their lives.
Steve is survived by his wife of 20 years, Debra Murray; daughters Annalise Murray and Taylor Murray; stepdaughter Jenifer Hoke; grandsons Nicco Jimenez and Jackson Hoke; brothers John (Barbara) Murray, Robert (Karen) Murray and Harry Murray. Steve was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Tom Murray and Michael Murray.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00 AM this Saturday, January 4, 2020 at The Chapel, located at 4250 Washington Avenue in St. Joseph with Pastor Phil Bubar officiating. Friends may visit from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Friday, January 3, 2020 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road in St. Joseph as well as from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at the church on Saturday.
Memorials may be made to The Chapel Benevolent Fund. Those wishing to share a memory of Steve online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com
The photo accompanying this story on Moody on the Market shows Steve Murray doing what he most passionate about…making a match between an employer and an employee for his team at Express Employment Professionals.
