Memorials

James Murphy, 78, of Columbia City, passed away at 7:29 a.m., Saturday, November 7, 2009 at Miller's Merry Manor in Columbia City.

Born on May 11, 1931, in West Virginia, he was the son of Hobart and Zella (Newberry) Murphy. He graduated from Big Creek High School in Blue Ridge, West Virginia, with the Class of 1949. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1949 to 1951, attaining the rank of military police sergeant.

On March 11, 1955, he married Shirley A. Tucker in Muncie.

He has been a resident of Columbia City since 1964.

He retired from United Technologies Corporation, Columbia City location, with 20 plus years of service as an electrician.

He was a member of Columbia City United Methodist Church, Moose, Eagles Lodge #1906, the VFW and American Legion, Columbia City Masonic Lodge and was a past Boy Scout leader.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley A. Murphy of Columbia City; 5 children, Mike (Amanda) Murphy of Columbia City; Jody (Greg) Grabner of Columbia City; Annette (Ben) Melvin of Columbia City; Kelly (Todd) Shoda of Columbia City; Chuck (Joella) Murphy of Columbia City; 1 sister, Evelyn A. Short of Columbia City; and also 12 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Hobart Murphy; sister, Barbara Roberts and a great-grandson, Austin Purdy.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, November 11, 2009, at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home with Pastor Paul Arnold of Columbia City United Methodist Church officiating. Burial followed at South Park (Annex) Cemetery. Graveside military honors were conducted by the Whitley County Korean War Veterans Honor Guard.

Memorials may be given in memory of Mr. Murphy to the United Methodist Church Youth Mission Trips or Whitley County Community Foundation. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

To send condolences, please log on to www.demoneygrimes.com.