James Edward Murphy, 96, of Fayetteville was born January 1, 1929 in Wheeler, AR to Jessie Eli Murphy and Pearl Thomas-Pearson. He passed away on Saturday, March 15, 2025 surrounded by family. James was a Corporal in the US Air Force where he served during the Korean War before being honorably discharged in 1949.

James “Jim” leaves a legacy of family and friends throughout generations.

He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Rovena Bittick Murphy of the home; a brother Robert and wife Juanita Blackmon of Pryor, OK; a son Edward Lee Murphy also of the home; a daughter Fay Ann Jenkins and husband Danny Dalton Jenkins of Springdale; a daughter Jamie Sue Hulsey of Fayetteville; 9 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren; along with nieces and nephews.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents; three sisters; a son-in-law James Kenneth Hulsey; and two sons, Mark Allen Murphy and James Charles Murphy.

Jim “PaPaw” enjoyed gardening, fishing, farming, and hunting along with his running dogs chasing some mean ole coyotes. He worked on many dairy and cattle farms in NWA. He was proud at teaching his grandchildren to follow in his footsteps. Jim loved to tell stories of his past of how things used to be back in those days. There wasn’t a Cardinals baseball game he would miss. He was a devoted faithful Christian and even passed that on while driving the grands to church every Sunday morning (while singing gospel hymns along the way). PaPaw always had open arms and accepted all who were near to him.

Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Friday, March 21, 2025 at Beard’s Chapel with Pastor Preston Beeks officiating. Interment will follow in the Fayetteville National Cemetery with military honors.

There is no scheduled visitation.