Sgt. James Murphy Sr.

September 16, 1960 - May 2, 2018

Sgt. James Murphy, Sr., age 57, of Erwin, went home to be with his Lord on Wednesday, May 2, 2018, at his residence, after a lengthy illness. A native of Plattsburgh, NY, James is a son of the late Eugene and Geraldine (Barter) Murphy. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army having served in Operation Desert Storm. James was a dedicated soldier who loved his God, his country and his family. During his 19 year tenure with the Army, James received many decorations, including: Southwest Asia Service Medal with 3 Bronze Stars, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon and Overseas Service Ribbon. He was a funny and happy person who was always making people laugh. He was strong in his beliefs and loved his motorcycle, fishing, woodworking and playing with his grandchildren. In addition to his parents, James is preceded in death by his grandmother, Madeliene, and one infant brother. Sgt. James Murphy, Sr. leaves behind to cherish his memory: Wife: Jackie (Arrowood) Murphy, of Erwin; Sons: Daniel Murphy, of SC, James Murphy, Jr. and wife, Christy, of AL, Tyler Murphy, Christopher Tipton and wife, Rebecca, of NC; Daughters: Christina Buchanan and husband, David, of Erwin, Crystal Winston and husband, Sonny, of Telford; Brothers: Dan Murphy and wife, Gail, of KY, Chuck Murphy, of KY; Sisters: Kathy Murphy, of OH, Teresa Clemmins, of KY; Sister-in-law: Dorothy Metcalf and husband, Grover; Several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. The family would like to offer special thanks to all those who showed their support during James' time of illness. The family respectfully requests the honor of your presence as we offer tribute and remember the life of Sgt. James Murphy, Sr. in a funeral service to be held at 12:30 PM on Monday, May 7, 2018 in the chapel at Valley Funeral Home. Reverend Tim Carver will officiate. A committal service will be held at Mountain Home National Cemetery at 2:30 PM on Monday, May 7, 2018. Those attending the committal service will meet at Mountain Home National Cemetery by 2:20 for the service. Carter County Honor Guard will serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517 Condolences and memories may be shared with the family and viewed at www.valleyfuneralhome.net or on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ValleyFuneralHomeErwin. These arrangements are made especially for the family and friends of Sgt. James Murphy, Sr. through Valley Funeral Home, 1085 N. Main Ave., Erwin, 423-743-9187.