James P Murphy

James was a hard-working man who was raised on a farm and broke horses as a young man, but made his living in the oil fields of west Texas. He started his career as a roustabout for Sinclair, which later became ARCO, and retired at age 65. James had many abilities and talents, could repair engines, was a builder, and sang and played guitar.

In 1952 James married Estellene Thornhill, his wife of 63 years. Together they raised four children, James Wayne, Karen, Judy, and Joel.

James is survived by his Wife Estellene, his daughters Karen Carrell and husband James of Odessa, and Judy Wood and husband Jim of Midland, and his sons James Murphy and wife Karla of Odessa and Joel Murphy and wife Tammy also of Odessa. Also surviving are 8 grandchildren; Ashley Porter and husband James of Odessa, Alyssa Murphy of Odessa, Doctor James Carrell Jr. and wife Anita of Midland, Michael Carrell and wife Kim of San Antonio, Jonathan Carrell and wife Denise of Midland, Alisha Allen and husband Doctor Tom Allen of McKinney, Arica Webb and husband Matthew of Midland and Jim Wood Jr of Midland. His sister Flo Lyons of Waco also survives, as well as nine great-grandchildren (with one more on the way).

James was preceded in death by his brothers tom, L.E., Paul, Earel and Ernest Murphy, and his sisters Earlene Staton and Oleta Black.

Funeral services for James will be held at the First Church of God in Ira with the Rev. Rocky Alexander officiating on Wednesday, August 26, 2015 at 11 am. Burial will follow later in the day in the Iatan Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of the Kiker-Seale Funeral Home.