James (“Jim”) Harrell Murphy, 87, of San Angelo, joined his Lord and Savior on January 30, 2022. He was born to Edgar and Rachel Cawthon Murphy on June 8, 1934, in Childress, Texas, thus began his love of rural life growing up on a farm in Carey, Texas. Although It wasn’t long before Jim realized sports were more enjoyable than farming and fixing tractors. “Murph” served as a minister of the churches of Christ for 71 years. His preaching included congregations located in Childress, Carey, Archer City, San Angelo, Junction, Nederland, Texas; Englewood, Colorado; and Glenville and Parkersburg, West Virginia. Most recently, Jim served as the minister of the Northside Church of Christ until his retirement in 2020. Rural ministry was very dear to Jim’s heart. Jim was an avid Bible teacher, scholar, and life-long learner. He was a graduate of Childress High School where he lettered in football, baseball and basketball. He obtained two bachelor's degrees (History & Bible, Abilene Christian University), three masters’ degrees (Communication, Denver University; Biblical Studies, Iliff School of Theology; and Psychology, Northern Colorado) and completed the majority of his Ph.D. in Communications coursework at Ohio University before moving to San Angelo. Jim taught college classes at Ohio Valley University, Angelo State University, Howard College, Glenville State College, and Southwest Bible Institute for over fifty years. While at ACU, this farm boy was the top scorer in a basketball game in which players rode donkeys. Jim loved God. Daily he studied the Bible and spent time in prayer. His legacy will not be remembered by statues or buildings built by man, but by the lives he touched with his humble spirit and pure heart. He was a generous and authentic man who would help anyone in need. A pulpit was never a prerequisite for others to know Jim’s heart. Jim followed the teachings of Christ and His values with a joyful heart. Countless lives have been touched by his mentoring, counseling and friendship. Jim never passed up the opportunity to play 42, enjoy a bluegrass festival, or attend family gatherings. Jim had an extensive private library which he added to on a regular basis. Some believe it was the largest collection in all of West Texas. He could often be found in his office behind a stack of books, some of which he authored. Jim’s love of traveling included two trips to the Holy Lands and tracing the missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul. This history buff traveled throughout Europe with just a backpack and $500.00. His travels took him across the United States, into Canada and down through Mexico. We will miss his humor, his spirit, his smile, his eternal optimism, his storytelling, and his unconditional love but not his fiddle playing. Surely goodness and mercy has followed Jim Murphy all the days of his life and he will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Sharon Burton Murphy; his sons of his first wife of 18 years, (Brenda Jacoby), Dr. Dick Murphy (Mary) of South Carolina, Dr. Mark Murphy (Cathy) of San Angelo, Patrick Murphy (Shelie) of Fort Worth, and Sean Murphy of San Angelo; his grandchildren Philip Murphy (Jaime), Brandi Bertrand (Jacob), Dr. Joshua Murphy (Amber), Ryan Murphy, Dr. Paul Murphy (Lindsay), April Murphy, Dr. Katie Kroll (David), Kennon Murphy, Diana Murphy, Sam Murphy, Ben Murphy, and Austin Murphy; his brothers, Norman Murphy (Sheila), John Murphy (Jenny), both of Colorado Springs; his stepson James Shelby, and his children ( Courtney Rutherford, ‘Calli King, Jim Bob, Zachary and Hannah); nine great-grandchildren, and numerous nephews and nieces including surrogate daughter/ niece Tamara (Murphy) Hargett (Aaron) and their children, Joshua, Rebecca and Josiah. He was preceded in death by both his parents and his brother, Jack Murphy of Colorado Springs, Colorado. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 5, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at Northside Church of Christ located at 19 East 29th Street, San Angelo, Texas. Visitation will be Friday, February 4, 2022 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Johnson’s funeral Home located at 435 W. Beauregard Ave San Angelo, TX 76903. Burial will follow in Johnson’s Lawnhaven Cemetery. The family would also like to express their gratitude to Delia, Sylvia, Celinda, and Solaris Hospice as well as Baptist Retirement Community. If desired, memorials may be made to Palmetto Bible Camp, 140 Fall Creek Rd., Marietta, SC 29661. Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com
