Obituary for James H. Murphey Sr.
James H. Murphey, Sr., "Mr. Wonderful", passed away on October 12, 2023, in Altoona, PA, joining his beloved wife, Shirley, for their next adventure, forever with our Lord.
Husband, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and Friend, Jim was very loved and will be missed by all who knew him. Now he is watching over his three children: April (Steve) Sherry, Marjorie Murphey, and James Jr. (Diana) Murphey; as well as grandchildren: Amy (Robin) Stedman, Austin (Carmen) Sherry, Evan (Elsa) Beebe, Aaron Beebe; and Great Grandchildren: Valerie, Abigayle, Violet, Tracelyn, Urijia, Leo, and Phoenix.
James was born February 17, 1933 to Harry and Violet Murphey in Philadelphia, PA and had recently lost his two older brothers: Harry Jr. and Benjamin.
A United States Army Veteran, Jim served in the 4th armored division during the Korean War. He was also a very talented musician, and played trumpet in the Army band. He led his own band, "Jimmy Howard and the Serenaders", as well as played trumpet in several community bands.
His father had a sign painting business and also painted those inspiring murals on United States bomber aircraft during WWII. Like his father, James started a painting business, but was not limited to that alone. Always needing more adventure, he and Shirley became entrepreneurs, owning a bar and restaurant in Pennsylvania, and later becoming realtors in Florida. They were always successful, making good friends along the way.
Another major success was beating cancer of the larynx the past 37 years with the great support of the doctors and staff of the V.A. hospitals. It never got him down, he always stayed positive.
At 90 years, James lived a full life and accomplished much. One thing for sure, as the song goes, "I did it my way", and he sure did!
At Jim’s request there will be no services but the family does welcome flowers. Contributions in his memory are also welcome to be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.
Husband, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and Friend, Jim was very loved and will be missed by all who knew him. Now he is watching over his three children: April (Steve) Sherry, Marjorie Murphey, and James Jr. (Diana) Murphey; as well as grandchildren: Amy (Robin) Stedman, Austin (Carmen) Sherry, Evan (Elsa) Beebe, Aaron Beebe; and Great Grandchildren: Valerie, Abigayle, Violet, Tracelyn, Urijia, Leo, and Phoenix.
James was born February 17, 1933 to Harry and Violet Murphey in Philadelphia, PA and had recently lost his two older brothers: Harry Jr. and Benjamin.
A United States Army Veteran, Jim served in the 4th armored division during the Korean War. He was also a very talented musician, and played trumpet in the Army band. He led his own band, "Jimmy Howard and the Serenaders", as well as played trumpet in several community bands.
His father had a sign painting business and also painted those inspiring murals on United States bomber aircraft during WWII. Like his father, James started a painting business, but was not limited to that alone. Always needing more adventure, he and Shirley became entrepreneurs, owning a bar and restaurant in Pennsylvania, and later becoming realtors in Florida. They were always successful, making good friends along the way.
Another major success was beating cancer of the larynx the past 37 years with the great support of the doctors and staff of the V.A. hospitals. It never got him down, he always stayed positive.
At 90 years, James lived a full life and accomplished much. One thing for sure, as the song goes, "I did it my way", and he sure did!
At Jim’s request there will be no services but the family does welcome flowers. Contributions in his memory are also welcome to be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.