James Austin Murphy II

James “Jim” Austin Murphy II passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 5, 2023 at the age of 72. Jim was a loving father, grandfather, brother, and husband. He was a devout Christian, with an everlasting faith in and love for God and Jesus Christ. Jim was an avid runner and lover of nature with a fierce dedication to and love for his family. He had a sharp wit and great sense of humor. His mischievous, boyish grin and laugh were infectious and he always knew how to make someone feel in on the joke with a playful wink. Jim’s greatest joy was his daughter, Megan, and his two grandchildren, Colin and Waverly. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Jim was born on September 29, 1951 in Waco, Texas to James Austin and Betty (Thaxton) Murphy. His family moved to Dallas when he was in elementary school. As a child, Jim enjoyed participating in various sports, fishing, watching wrestling, and playing with his siblings - especially his favorite sidekick, his little sister Marynell. Jim graduated from Highland Park High School in 1969 where he was a member of the Scots varsity basketball team.

He then attended Southern Methodist University, graduating in 1973 with a BBA in finance and general business. He received his MBA in real estate and finance from SMU in 1974. During his time at SMU, Jim was a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity and was a Peruna Handler from 1972-1974. Peruna Handlers are an elite group of students chosen to care for and run SMU’s famous pony mascot across the field during football games.

After college, Jim began his career in banking. For more than four decades, Jim worked as an executive at several highly regarded and successful banks in the Dallas area, including Grand Bank, Fidelity Bank, Compass Bank, and Dallas City Bank. At the end of 2021, after 48 years in banking, Jim retired as Vice President of Loan Review and Underwriting for State Bank of Texas. Throughout his career, Jim was respected and admired by colleagues for his work ethic, loyalty, and financial acumen. He was a trusted advisor and mentor to both clients and co-workers.

In 1987, Jim married the love of his life, Linda (Parker) Murphy. He and Linda enjoyed embarking on road trips to various National Parks, immersing themselves in the wonders of nature. Their favorite destinations included Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico, and the Grand Canyon. In 2009, Jim and Linda relocated from Dallas to Ruidoso, New Mexico where they were able to spend a year and a half living in their dream home - a cabin-style house nestled amongst the woods and mountains and surrounded by beautiful nature and wild animals. Jim and Linda were happily married for 32 years until Linda’s passing in January of 2020.

In 2008, Jim was diagnosed with throat cancer. After undergoing surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, Jim not only beat cancer but went on to start a love affair with running that lasted until his dying day. He finished his first marathon at the age of 59 in 2010. Jim went on to complete more than 50 races - both half and full marathons - including the pinnacle of any runner’s career, the Boston Marathon. Running was his passion and he was an inspiration to family, friends, and fellow runners.

Jim was a member of Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church since 1963. During his teen years, he served as an acolyte, demonstrating his commitment to his faith. Following his beloved wife Linda’s death in 2020, Jim found comfort and solace in his visits to the Bishop Moore Chapel for the weekly Wednesday Holy Eucharist at Saint Michael and All Angels.

Jim is preceded in death by his wife, Linda Murphy; brother, William Clarke Murphy; mother, Betty (Thaxton) Murphy; and father, James Austin Murphy. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Megan (Murphy) and Kevin Brown and their children, Colin and Waverly, of San Anselmo, California; and by his sisters, Elise Murphy and Marynell Murphy of Dallas, Texas.

Graveside services will be held at Sparkman-Hillcrest Memorial Park at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 21 in Dallas, Texas. A celebration of life will be held for family and friends immediately following the service at Jim and Linda’s favorite eating spot, El Fenix Mexican Restaurant.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s memory to the National Park Foundation: www.nationalparks.org or to Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church: https://www.saintmichael.org/giving/