James Howard Murphy

James Howard Murphy, age 88, of Norman passed away January 1, 2023. James Howard was born April 17, 1934 in Cleveland County. He was the 2nd of 4 children born to "Harve" and Helen (Jackson) Murphy. James Howard grew up in the Goldsby and Washington area. James Howard graduated with the Washington Warrior class of 1952. On October 30, 1952, he married the love of his life, Floy Mae Hyde. Together the couple raised 4 children; Linda, Cindy, Gary and Steve. James Howard worked for the lumber yard through the day and if it was winter, he worked for Sinclair Service Station at night. If it was summer, he would leave the lumber yard and head straight to the hay patch. Later in life, he started his own business doing construction cleanup. He was known as "James" on Floy's side of the family and "Uncle Howard" on his side of the family and "Murf" to his son-in-law and most of his friends. But it didn't matter what name you knew him by, if you knew him you knew, he loved helping people no matter the task. He found great enjoyment sharing stories about different times people would get stuck in mud or the snow and how he helped get them out. He would make doll houses with porch, windows and flooring for nieces and would always make the time that they spent at the couple's house special by taking them to A & W for "baby burgers" and picking up donuts for breakfast. James Howard worked from sun up to sun down nearly everyday of his life. In fact, some might say he was a workaholic and at 88 years old he could still work circles around most people half his age. He saw the value in hard work and never shy from a task no matter how difficult the work. At the age of 58, James Howard was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis but not even that could slow him down. At the age of 85, he was found working on his roof and even pulling weeds in his yard with a hand rake. He cherished time spent squirrel and rabbit hunting with his kids and he going fishing. He was loved so much and will be missed dearly. He is preceded in death by his wife, Floy Mae Murphy; his parents, Harve and Helen Murphy; his brother, Alvin Murphy; and his sister, Eulene Melton. He is survived by his two daughters, Linda Murphy of Lexington, and Cindy and husband Danny of Norman; his two sons, Gary Murphy of Norman, and Steven and wife Deanna of Norman; 5 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild; his sister, Loretta Ketner of Norman; his brother-in-law Dalton Melton of Perry and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends. Graveside Services will be Friday, January 6, 2023 at 10:30 A.M. at Noble IOOF Cemetery. Send online condolences to wilsonlittle.com

James Howard Murphy

April 17, 1934 - January 1, 2023