Retired Geologist
Jim passed away September 19, 2018 at the age of 80, with his family at his side.
He was born in Panola County, Mississippi to Walter & Jennie Sue Murphree, the youngest of 8 children. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Shelda; children, Dennis (Sara), John (Chris) and Jennifer Geraghty (Steve); 6 grandchildren, JD (Ashlene) & Jeremy (Alicia Rehn) Murphree, Matt & Brian Murphree and Mick and Libby Geraghty; 6 great-grands, James Dennis IV, Ryder & Levi Murphree and Fiona Rehn & Elliana Murphree; a sister, Vivian Bridges in MS and extended family and friends.
He had a 40 year career in the Oil & Gas industry, working as a geologist in Louisiana, Texas, & Colorado. The family moved to Colorado in 1969 where he worked for several companies before retiring in 1998. He attended Northwest Mississippi Junior College where he met Shelda - finishing his degree at Mississippi State University in 1958.
Jim & Shelda and their 3 children attended the Englewood United Methodist Church the first week-end they were in town. Later the church merged with another Methodist church and was renamed Spirit of Hope UMC. Jim worked with the youth group for many years and taught adult Church School classes for 40 years. Even as his mind began to fail him he still enjoyed worship services at church. His last attendance was Sept. 9, 2018. He spent his last 8 months in the Memory Care unit of a nursing home.
His family will greatly miss “Papa”. His many friends will miss his steady friendship and hugs. The family will be honored to have you join them for his memorial service to be held at: Spirit of Hope United Methodist Church, 3885 So. Broadway, Englewood, CO 80113 at 3pm, Fri., Oct.5, 2018. In lieu of flowers, if you wish, you may make a contribution to Jim’s church or to a charity of your choice.
