JAMES MURPHY

James Murphy, age 78, of Columbia City, IN 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 has been a resident of Columbia City, IN since 1964. He graduated from Big Creek High School in Blue Ridge, West Virginia with the Class of 1949, serving 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, IN. He retired from United Technologies Corporation, Columbia City, IN 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, IN; 5 children, Mike (Amanda) Murphy of Columbia City, IN; Jody (Greg) Grabner of Columbia City, IN; Annette (Ben) Melvin of Columbia City, IN; Kelly (Todd) Shoda of Columbia City, IN; Chuck (Joella) Murphy of Columbia City, IN; 1 sister, Evelyn A. Short of Columbia City. 12 grandchildren; 1 great grandchild and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Hobart Murphy; sister, Barbara Roberts and great-grandson, Austin Purdy.Visitation is from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, November 10, 2009 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, IN. Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 11, 2009 at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home with one hour of calling prior to the service. Pastor Paul Arnold of Columbia City United Methodist Church will be officiating with burial to follow at South Park (Annex) Cemetery. Graveside military honors will be 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.Click here to view video tribute**Video may take up to 2 minutes to load.