James Henry Murphy was the oldest child born to Charles and Revester Key Murphy on July 17, 1945, in Knoxville, Tennessee. He peacefully transitioned on March 3, 2024, at his home. Preceded in death by his parents, Revester Key Murphy Jarnigan and Charles Murphy; sisters, Regina Murphy Wallace and Maria Jarnigan; oldest son, James “Squeeky” Yarbrough; niece, Samantha Jenkins, and nephew, Lamont Jarnigan.

James was educated in the Knoxville City Schools and was a graduate of the Austin High School, class of 1964. He was retired from Ideal Cement Company. He enjoyed lifting weights and a bodybuilder with his friends.

His memory will live on through his family; daughters Sharon (Niecy) Yarbrough, Kacey Boatwright, and Carmen Yarbrough; sons, Kevin Lee of Atlanta, George, Condus Murphy, James Murphy II; devoted sister Dorothy Ann Murphy ( Kenneth) Jenkins; brother, William (Junie) Janice Strong; daughter- in-law, Beverly Yarbrough; step brother Johnny Red; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; nephew, Kenneth (Nikki) Jenkins, Jr., Sabastin Jarnigan, nieces, Melanie, Kim, Shadrema, and Kizzie Wallace, Takilya Jarnigan; a host of great nieces, and nephews, and cousins; special friends, Stenson Easley, Michael Dotson, Francell Golightly and many, many of friends too numerous to name.