Jimmy Don Murphy
December 3, 1948 ~ September 3, 2024
Born in:
McKinney, Texas
Resided in:
Hughes Springs, Texas
Funeral services for Mr. Jimmy Don Murphy, age 75, of Hughes Springs, Texas, will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 7, 2024, at Hughes Springs Missionary Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park, under the direction of Reeder-Davis Funeral Home in Hughes Springs. There will be a time of visitation with the family from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Friday evening at the funeral home.
Jimmie “Jimmy” Don Murphy, at the age of 75 years and 9 months, peacefully entered the gates of heaven. J.D. was a man who lived a full and meaningful life, one he would be the first to say, “I had a great life.” He often reflected on the people who shaped his journey, crediting them for making him the man he became.
Born to Tommie Willis and Mattie Honea Murphy, J.D. was the youngest of their children. He faced a significant loss early in life when his father passed away from a tragic accident in 1954. However, J.D. was blessed with the guidance and mentorship of four remarkable men—Stacy Abernathy, Aubrey Ellis, Billy Mack Traylor, and Emit Kennedy—who were close friends of his father and helped instill in him the values that would define his character.
J.D. spent his childhood in Hughes Springs, Texas until 1964 when he went to high school in McKinney. In 1968, driven by a strong sense of duty, J.D. enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He bravely served two tours in Vietnam, first with the 3rd Battalion 3rd Marine Division Mike Company, from August 29, 1968 to September 25, 1969, and then with the 3rd Battalion 4th Marine Division Mike Company, from October 1969 to October 1970.
After his military service, J.D. returned home and pursued a career in law enforcement. He was a member of the first police department in Hughes Springs after completing his training at the Kilgore College Police Academy. His commitment to justice and his community led him to serve as Texas Constable for Precinct 2 of Cass County, a position he held with honor for nearly 30 years.
J.D. was a devoted father, raising four sons—James, Matthew, Aubrey, and Darrell—with his wife of 35 years, Ellen J. Bryant. He married Barbara Golden on April 1, 2010, with whom he shared the rest of his life.
J.D. was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters Mary Ruth and Patsy Sue; his brother Tommie Ray Murphy; and his infant son, Steven Keith.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara; his sons, James Murphy (Vanessa), Matthew Murphy, Aubrey Murphy, and Darrell Murphy all of Hughes Springs; his bonus children, Paul Golden (Lisa) and Amy McCreery (Andy); five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; five bonus grandchildren; six bonus great-grandchildren; and numerous other family members, friends, and Marine brothers.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a donation in honor of J.D. to Arden Hanes American Legion Post 351.
Services
Visitation: September 6, 2024 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Reeder-Davis Funeral Home - Hughes Springs
1213 Hanes Blvd
Hughes springs, Texas 75656
Funeral Ceremony: September 7, 2024 11:00 am
Hughes Springs Missionary Baptist Church
305 North Pecan St
Hughes Springs, Texas 75656
Jimmy Don, It only seems like yesterday when we met. Then Mika and Louann met. Go have a party you deserve it. Rest in Peace My Friend.
i sure hate this. seems like i knew J.D. as far back as i can remember. even though i hadn’t seen him in years, it was still a big ol’ shock to see this. i just loved this whole family and i’m so sorry for all of ya’ll. sending love and prayers
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for all.
So sorry for your loss. Jimmy Don was a good man. My thoughts and prayers are with you all
We are so sorry for your loss and are praying for all of the family.
Much respect,
Polly Samples
Aunt Barbara, I am sorry to hear about Jimmie Don, we will be praying for you and all his family.
I worked with Jimmy Don for several years at the City. He was a good man and will be missed. Prayers for his family.
Our family thought so much of sweet Jimmy Don. I just know that he and Cheta are having a good time catching up in Heaven.
Nan Traylor Saucier
We moved to Hughes Springs in 1978 to be closer to my Dad’s Uncle Aubrey Ellis, who was one of the four mentors mentioned of Jimmy Don’s. Our Dad/Ronnie Willis and Jimmy Don hit it off immediately and that family like bond was cemented. Dad said, “…he is one of those I would ride the river with…”
Prayers for family and friends.
Judy Biddy
Kenneth and I are praying for your peace at this time, Barbara. Jimmy Don will be missed by so many, bur no one more than you .
Prayers for you Barbara. 🫂 hugs
To Jimmy Don’s family, He was such a kind and gentle person. I knew him basically all my life. You have my deepest condolences on your loss and the community’s loss as well. With love