Silver Taps Notification

James Evans Murphy
February 18, 1947 ~ August 5, 2021 (age 74)

James Evans Murphy, 74, of Houston, Texas, passed away on Thursday, August 5, 2021, in Houston, Texas, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on February 18, 1947, in Galveston, Texas, to the late James Harmon Lovejoy and Kathryn Elizabeth Evans Murphy. James graduated from Ball High School in Galveston, class of 1965. He obtained his Master’s degree in Architecture from Texas A&M University in 1969. James was a member of several Aggie clubs and organizations. He was truly a dedicated Aggie in every sense of the word and held a special place in his heart for Kyle Field in College Station.

James worked for many years as an architect with Richard Roeder Associates (RRA) in the Old Sixth Ward Historic District where he helped design all of the Foleys Stores. He had many talents ranging from teaching fourth grade at Ashford Elementary, being a sales associate at Carter’s Country, to office manager for Fences Unlimited, Inc., and lastly his tenure with Walmart as a sales associate in electronics.

James was raised in the Methodist church and was a former member of St. Francis De Sales Catholic Church. In his wry humor, he shared with Rev. Fr. Wayne Wilkerson of St. Michael Catholic Church, that he always considered himself a “metholic”. James was also a life member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, where he served for many years as a committee member with the Corral Club.

James pursued many interests, some of which included his love of football, deer hunting, and cars. He was an avid rock, coin, and gun collector who was also knowledgeable on Egyptian history including King Tut. James was a history buff and he enjoyed spending his time reading books. Most recently he could be found reading anything by James Patterson. He always had quite the collection of books if ever one was needed, he probably had it. James was particularly fond of anything pertaining to cowboys and Indians, whether it be history, movies, or entertainment. He was a collector of all things elephants and loved their majestic beauty and grace. James had a passion and talent for flower gardening and photography. He had a magical green thumb and an eye for beauty when it came to taking photos. James could always be found behind a camera at every family event and get-together. A few months ago, his daughter and granddaughter presented him with his first smartphone. Shortly after receiving this phone, he had mastered eBay shopping and YouTube video tutorials on everything. Most important to James was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and his pets.

James was a loving husband, father, grandfather, godfather, uncle, and dear friend to so many. He was the absolute sweetest, thoughtful, and the most intentional man who loved his family unlike any other. James was more than dedicated in his devotion to his family and extended family. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him.

James was preceded in death by his parents James H. Murphy and Kathryn Murphy; his fur-baby Maggie; and too many others to mention. He leaves behind to cherish his loving memory, his wife of fifty-one years, Joy Alyce Browning Murphy of Houston; his daughter Kathryn Alyce Murphy Villaseñor and husband Ramiro of Houston; his grandchildren Danielle Madrigal, Alberto Villaseñor, Alexander, and Andrew Arteaga; his bonus daughter and son-in-law Merly and Cris Arteaga; his numerous nieces and nephews; his beloved pets Isabella, Roxy Roodles and Frankie Frank; and a host of other loving relatives and friends too many to name.

A time of remembrance for James will be held at a later date.

Condolences can be shared online with the family by visiting www.SterlingFuneralHome

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