Jimmie Ray Murphy, 90, was born July 21, 1934 and went to be with God on May 5, 2025. His love for his family and life was evident every day of his 90 years.
Jim is the second born of five children. He was the last remaining child of Cora Jane and Raymond Murphy. He lost his youngest brother Larry in 1998, his older brother Richard in 2007, his younger brother Bill in 2019, and his only sister, Janet Lea in 2023.
He married Bonnie Jean Courtney in June of 1954 and shared an amazing 68 years with her. Jim worked as a service tech for Sears Roebuck for several years before he and Bonnie purchased a service station in Kingston where they enjoyed working together for 8 years before selling. Jim worked for J.I. Case for 17 years before retiring to Tucson in his 50s where he enjoyed the warmth of Arizona. Jim loved golfing and typically played a couple of times a week even into his 80s before moving home to Iowa in 2017.
Fishing with his sons, son in law, grandchildren and great grandchildren was pure bliss for Jim, as the fish always seemed to find his line when they eluded everyone else’s. His stories of life were endless and interesting.
Jim and Bonnie had four children together, Dan (Jill) Murphy of Mediapolis, Cindy (Chris) Swann of Oklahoma City, Patti Lehnherr of Mediapolis, and John (Molly) Murphy of Denver. Those children rewarded them with nine grandchildren who were so fortunate to have them as grandparents! Those nine grandchildren shared the joy of 21 great grandchildren with Jim, and he loved every second with them!
Jim reluctantly said goodbye to Bonnie in October of 2022 after her well fought battle with cancer. Nothing could have prepared him for life without his beloved, and he struggled. Jim celebrated 90 years on this earth last July with his family at his side. What an amazing legacy he leaves behind!
Prugh Funeral Service has been entrusted with Jim's arrangements and a simple cremation was chosen per his wishes.