James Homer Murphy

It is with both earthly sorrow and spiritual joy that the family of James Homer Murphy share that he completed the race set before him on February 2, 2025 at his earthly home at Novellus Cypresswood Assisted Living. Our earthly sorrow comes from the absence of his physical presence that continually uplifted the lives of those that he came in contact with. Our spiritual joy is born of our faith in God, rewarded by HIS blessing of a long life to the righteous, the gift of salvation, and the promise of everlasting life. James was a good and faithful servant and leader who supported his church, community, and family. James’ light brightly shined throughout his life, serving as a beacon of hope, faith, and promise to all who were blessed to know him. He led by example. James was born on December 23, 1936, the first of Homer and Josphine Murphy’s children. He spent all of his childhood at the Family Ranch in Leona, Texas. He never lost his love of working around the ranch and fixing things. He was the big brother and known as “James Homer” to William “Buddy”, Grover, Linda, and Mark. James had been active in the Methodist Church since childhood, starting at Evans Chapel where his great grandfather had given the land for the church, school, and cemetery. James graduated from Centerville High School before attending Sam Houston State University where he studied Accounting. Upon graduation in 1959, James moved to Houston where he began work as an internal auditor at Houston Natural Gas. In 1962, he met the love of his life, Margaret “Maggie” Crawford at Epworth Methodist Church. They were married on December 16,1962. They had 2 children, Zane, born in 1966; and Michelle, born in 1968. From 1959 to 1977 he lived and worked in Houston for Houston Natural Gas before being promoted to Controller for HNG Oil in Midland. He lived in Midland from 1977 to 1986. During this time James was the Chairman of the HNG Credit Union, Executive Member for the Council of Petroleum Accountants Society of North America, and he was the President of Petroleum Accountants Society of the Permian Basin. He was President of the Midland Kiwanis and was named Kiwanian of the Year in 1981 and 1982. James also served as the Treasurer of the Midland Lee High School Athletic Booster Club. In 1986, James was transferred back to the Houston area, where he worked until 1988 when he was able to escape Ken Lay and Enron. After Enron, he immediately began working for Kelley Oil. He remained in demand and worked as an Accounting Consultant for several different oil companies until July 2024. Here in Houston, James was very involved in both his church and community. He was a Youth Counselor, Sunday School Teacher, and President of Methodist Men at St. Stephens Methodist Church. As a member of Klein United Methodist Church since 1986, he was the President of Methodist Men and an active member of the Friendship Sunday School Class. In addition, James traveled on mission trips to assist with home repairs in storm damaged coastal areas as well as assisting Hurricane Katrina evacuees by preparing meals. He volunteered at Northwest Assistance Ministries (NAM) and Habitat for Humanity. A long-time resident In the Terranova West Subdivision, James served on the Homeowners Board for almost 20 years. His surviving family members include his wife of 62 years, Maggie Murphy; his son, Zane and daughter-in-law Jan Murphy of Lubbock; his daughter Michelle and son-in-law Keith Thomas of College Station, TX; grandchildren Dilyn and husband Devin Addis of Lubbock, TX and Marcia Murphy of Denver, CO.; step-grandchildren Nathan Baskett of Lubbock, TX and Jonathan Baskett of Burbank, CA; great grandchildren Gentry, Jolie, and Jameson Addis of Lubbock, TX; brothers William “Buddy” Murphy of Seguin, TX; sister Linda and husband Bill Bechtol of Bryan, TX; brother Mark Murphy of Leona, TX; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. The Family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Novellus Cypresswood Assisted Living where James and Maggie have lived for the last 4 years. They would also like to acknowledge the loving care provided by Bayou City Hospice in James’ last days. The Memorial Service for James will be at Klein United Methodist Church in Spring on Thursday, February 6th at 2:00pm. Memorial donations may be made to Klein United Methodist Church.

James Homer Murphy

December 23, 1936 - February 2, 2025