James Willard Murphy, Jr.

James Willard Murphy, Jr. passed away on January 24, 2022.  He was born on January 24, 1953, in Dallas, Texas, to parents James Willard Murphy, Sr. and Glenda Lee Green.

Jim Murphy was a very hard-working man whose main focus was his family.  As a very skilled contractor, he was able to support his wife and children.  Early in Jim and Debbie’s life together they decided to make Cedar Creek Lake their home and have been here since.  Jim enjoyed hunting and fishing.  He always had a fishing pole and would often take family out.  He also loved to camp.  Those were the best camping trips.  When not working or fishing or camping, Jim loved to watch the Dallas Cowboys….whether win or lose, he always enjoyed watching them play…and NASCAR, a lot of times more so than the Cowboys, switching channels between both.  Jim was great at fixing things.  He’d strive to fix them right, but if it wasn’t possible at the time, you bet he would find a way to make it work for now.  And then we’d have lots of laughs.  Jim did things his way but was always open for ideas and information, and no one ever had a ridiculous idea.  Everyone’s ideas mattered.  He was a very funny man who brought many smiles and laughs to those around him.  He was a fantastic friend to many, and you bet he would have your back if you needed him.  He was a very caring, loving man and had a heart as big as Texas.  He will be truly missed and loved forever.  Even in Heaven, he is the Patriarch of this family, and an amazing one.  For many years and many ups and downs, Jim left this world on his 69th birthday because he chose to do it “his way.”

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Debra Ann; children Jeffery Murphy and wife Ashlee, Marshall Murphy and wife Jessica, Chasidy Newland and husband Wesley, and Chris Splawn; grandchildren Landon Carroll, Greycie Newland, Lara Murphy, Sayde Murphy, Lexi Banker, Marci Banker, ShayLynn Murphy, Letty Murphy, and Colton Splawn; great-grandchild Rowan Branscum; brother Lance Garrett; sister Kim Hansen and husband David; and several nieces and nephews.

James is preceded in death by his parents and granddaughter Morgan Carroll.