LTC(Ret) James F. Murphy (aka Jim, Pudge, Murph), 92, died peacefully at home on Nov 2nd. A Funeral Mass with military honors will be held on Nov 13th at 2:00 pm at St. Joseph’s Old Cathedral with future burial in Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, DC.
Born on July 25, 1928 in Racine, WI, the family moved to OKC in the early 1930s. He graduated from Classen High; played football at Classen then Cameron and OU. He joined the Army in 1948. He served as an infantry officer in Korea and Vietnam and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for gallantry, the military’s 2nd highest award behind the Medal of Honor. Also 2 Silver Stars, 2 Bronze Stars for Valor and Purple Heart. He retired from the Army in 1970. He was inducted into the Army’s OCS Hall of Fame and Oklahoma’s Military Hall of Fame.
He returned to OKC in 1971, worked at Central National Bank and later at the Oklahoma Tax Commission, retiring from both. He and his wife of 69 years, Pat, traveled the world making friends in all corners. An avid golfer, he had the thrill of playing Scotland’s St. Andrews Old Course.
He was preceded in death by his beloved mother Florence, father Jimmy, brother Tommy, sister Gerri and cousins Glae and Edmond John. Survivors include beloved wife Patricia, daughters Kimberly (and husband MG(R) Jim Snyder of Atlantic Beach, FL) and Shawn (and husband Mac French of Trophy Club, TX), sister Mary Ann Murphy Nelson of Lone Tree, CO, half-sister Sugy and half-brother Mike in TX, treasured nieces and nephews along with “bonus children” Sandy Mento, Missy Horton and Lisa Kopp. Also, dear friends Tucker and Lynne Kirk, David Castro and Steven Moffitt. He loved and cared for all of them immensely. A surrogate father and coach, he provided ‘helpful’ guidance and advice to all. With special appreciation to Dr. Faysal Nasr for the years of care and support he provided.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to St. Joseph’s Old Cathedral (307 NW 4th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73101) or a charity of your choice.
