James Manuel Murphy

Jim Murphy, of Keller, Texas, passed away on Sunday, April 5, 2026, in Dallas, Texas. He will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend to all who knew and loved him.

He was born on July 16, 1942, in Briartown, Oklahoma, to James Carroll and EmmaLou Murphy. Jim graduated from high school in Pecos, Texas, and went on to join the United States Army. During his service, he was part of the Presidential Honor Guard and served in Washington, D.C. He stood sentinel at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Throughout his time in the Army, he held many roles, including cook, chauffeur, and certified lifeguard. On his final day of service, he was part of President John F. Kennedy’s funeral procession.

Jim accomplished many things in his life, both personally and professionally. He began working at the age of six in the well-water service business with his father and later worked in the oil industry after leaving the Army. He went on to work for American Airlines for 30 years, earning numerous accolades, including a remarkable 10-year span without taking a sick day. In addition, he worked as a mechanic, rebuilding car engines on weekends and after work. Jim and his wife, Lonnie, enjoyed restoring cars together to sell. Even after retirement, he continued working at O’Reilly Auto Parts so he could enjoy discounts that supported his passion for working on cars.

Jim had many hobbies throughout his life. He loved fishing with family and friends and had a deep passion for restoring cars. In his later years, he collected toy cars, including Matchbox and NASCAR models. He enjoyed playing cards and dominoes and was widely known at work as the man to beat at dominoes.

He also enjoyed softball, pool, bowling, karaoke, playing the organ, and listening to country music, especially artists like George Strait, Patsy Cline, and Johnny Rodriguez. One of his favorite pastimes was barbecuing on the grill—sometimes to the point of setting off enough smoke to bring the firefighters, which he found quite amusing.

Jim loved telling stories and making people laugh. Whether fishing from the bank or out on a boat, he cherished time spent outdoors. He was a kid at heart and had a fondness for talking stuffed animals, toy cars, and Beanie Babies. In his later years, he enjoyed watching Gunsmoke and John Wayne movies while snacking on Original Chips Ahoy! cookies and Jolly Ranchers with a Diet Coke.

Jim loved life, his family, and his friends deeply. He never met a project or task he couldn’t handle—he always found a way to get it done and done well. The only thing he avoided was electrical work, which understandably made him uneasy after being electrocuted as a young man—so Lonnie handled that around the house. Whether building a house or restoring a car, Jim could do it all. He often said, “Don’t start none, there won’t be none.”

Jim is survived by his wife, Lona Mae Murphy; his children, Margo Lynn Seymour and husband John, Rynda Kay Adrew and husband Van, and James Edward Murphy and wife Sandy; and his grandchildren, Brandi Meshel Clarke and husband Cameron, Kristin Elizabeth Murphy Parker and husband Tracey, and Shelby Murphy Hounshel and husband Logan. He is also survived by honorary grandchildren China Star Lancaster and Senora Sky Lancaster Helton and husband Stephen. His great-grandchildren include Corbin, Torryn, Owen, and Tre.

He is further survived by his siblings, Deanna Sue Murphy Owens and JoAnn Murphy Stamps; his niece, Casey Lee Stamps Frazell; and his nephews, Ronnie Carroll Owens, James Shannon Owens, Bruce Wayne Murphy Jr., and Beau Gregory Murphy. He also leaves behind many beloved cousins and extended family members.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James Carroll and EmmaLou Murphy, and his brother, Bruce Wayne Murphy.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at the funeral home. The funeral service will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at Keller Old Town Funeral Home and Cremation Services, with refreshments to follow.

Graveside services, including Taps and the folding of the flag, will be held at 2:00 p.m. at DFW National Cemetery, followed by a reception at 204 Moss Court in Mansfield, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dallas VA Medical Center through the VA Heart of Texas Healthcare Network (VISN 17) donation page at Pay.gov.