James Earl Morphew Jr.
James Earl Morphew Jr.
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James Morphew Obituary
Mr. Morphew was a sergeant with the Bristol Virginia Fire Department for five years, a member of the force for 16 years, a member of the Bristol Life Saving Crew, a member Chilhowie Fire Department for 17 years and a member of the Appalachian Highlanders. He was also a member of Wellmont One.
He had many accomplishments in the EMS field, being most proud of his critical care flight paramedic. He is one of one thousand world wide. He was an instructor for the Virginia Office of EMS and Virginia Department of Fire Programs. He had many more certifications in the EMS field, too numerous to list.
He loved many things, including hiking, camping, playing the bagpipes and teaching. Out of everything in his life, he had the most love for his wife and daughter.
Survivors include his wife of 28 years, Terri Heath Morphew; daughter, Mallory Morphew and Joshua Jessee; mother, Ernestine Compton Johnson; three brothers, Earnest Morphew and wife Pam, Phillip L. Morphew and Tanya Thompson and Larry Morphew; one sister, Judy Mair; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Porter and Hazel Heath; two sisters-in-law, Cathy Dixon and husband David and Kim Frye and husband Berry; and one brother-in-law, Tim Heath; nieces and nephews, Meagan and Brett Dyson, Cole, Bailey and Logan Frye, E.J., Cayla, Josh and Jacob Morphew, Randy Coleson, Heather Lewis, Christina Mair and Hannah Mair; and many special friends and co-workers.
Funeral services will be conducted at 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30, 2009, at the Chilhowie United Methodist Church, with the Rev. David St. Clair, the Rev. Tim Blevins, the Rev. Richard Thompson, and the Rev. Eric Ramey officiating. Visiting hours will be from 1 to 3 and from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday prior to the funeral service at the church. A graveside service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, 2009, at the Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery, with firefighter rites conducted.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Chilhowie Fire and Rescue Department, P.O. Box 5012, Chilhowie, VA 24319; or to the Trust Fund for Terri and Mallory, c/o Bank of Chilhowie, P.O. Box 1560, Chilhowie, VA 24319.
Arrangements are by Williams Funeral Home, Chilhowie.
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Tammy Sullivan
February 12, 2009
Terri,
I love and miss you. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and Mallory at this terrible time. I can't begin to imagine what you are going through but I know that God will provide you with strength to survive. If you need ANYTHING, please call!
Love you,
Tammy
Robbie & Elizabeth lambert
February 3, 2009
Dear Family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our prayers. Gods grace and comfort fill you at this great time of loss.
Chad and Becky Poore
February 2, 2009
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Earl played the bagpipes at our wedding on 1/31/2004, in Abingdon, VA. We will always remember him for being a part of our special day. May god bless your family.
Sara Addington
February 2, 2009
I, like so many others, am in complete shock right now. I had the privilege of knowing Earl and working with him at the races and seeing him pop in the ER at BRMC. I will always remember him for his great sense of humor, his Oakleys but most of all for the goodness in his heart. My thoughts and prayers are with all of his family. Earl will be missed greatly.
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Grace Lollar
February 1, 2009
Dear Terri,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. I have read what some other people have said here about him. Though I did not know him, it seems he was one of the world's rare angels. May the Lord bless you and Mallory with the strength you need during this painful time. My thoughts and prayers are with you, my friend.
Sam & Janice Silcox
February 1, 2009
I worked with Earl for several years and I am glad I knew him. He was extremely professional and knowledgeble in his chosen field. I appreciate the chance I was given to know him and he will be missed. Our prayers go out to your family.
Amy Wright
January 31, 2009
Terri,
I can not imagine the pain you are experiencing right now...or will feel in the coming days...but you and Earl hold a special place in my heart...as you were such an encouragement to me when Chris and I were getting married...and the friendship we shared as we prayed for God to grant you your dear sweet Mallory...my heart hurts for you...and I am praying for your comfort and a special grace to go through this dark hour.
Mitzie Catron
January 31, 2009
Terri & Mallory,
Earl will be missed very much by all of us!! May our Lord in Heaven hold you close in the comfort of his mighty arms. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you.
Mitzie & Mike, Kayla, Rhiannon & Dusty
michele lyons
January 31, 2009
On behalf of the management team of Bristol Virginia Central Dispatch and all its dispatchers. we will miss this soldier who gave his all in the jobs he performed down through the years in conjunction with our agency.
Leanna Bunn
January 31, 2009
Not every one that we work with was easy going, or willing to help. I am thankful to have been able to count on him during those times. But more than that i knew that he was capable of doing his job and more. And he expected us to do our job as well. A person who strove for excellence not just for himself but pushed for others as well. He was not just a voice on the radio. But a person who will be missed by me.
Ruby-BVPD Dispatch Bailey
January 31, 2009
Earl will be missed dearly and be remembered as a friend and a helper to all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and yours during your time of need.
Patricia & Tom Mc Avin
January 31, 2009
I can honestly say he will be missed and remembered as a "true giver" to society. I hope you realize how thankful all who encountered him are, and empathize with your loss.
debra baumgardner
January 31, 2009
Terri,
Like a lot of people, I heard about the death of your husband on the news. Although I didn't know him, and I don't know you, I know what you're going through. I lost the love of my life tragically 12-15-08. He and Earl sound a lot alike in that they were both loved by so many people. I know it's hard, and unbelievable, and there's nothing anyone can do to ease the pain. Just know that there are people who don't know you whose hearts are hurting for you. My angel wears a cowboy hat, yours wears a Fireman's hat. They will always be with us.
mark blankenship
January 31, 2009
my sympathy goes out to his family and he will be missed very much
Sandra Bowman
January 30, 2009
Ms. Morphew and Family,
So very sorry to hear of your loss. I did not have the honor of knowing your husband, however, I will keep you in my prayers.
Toni Patterson
January 30, 2009
Terri and Family,
You all are in our thoughts and prayers. We have definitely lost an angel among us.
Jim & Toni Patterson
Dean and Lisa (Kenney) Ratliff
January 30, 2009
Terri and Family,
I can't begin to imagine your pain and loss at this time. It is our prayer that the Lord will surround you with His perfect love, peace and strength. We will continue to pray for you throughout the weeks and months ahead. Your family holds a special place in my heart.
LVFD, Darrell and Bridgette Glovier
January 30, 2009
We are sorry for your loss, may god be with you to see you through this hard time. Just remember the wonderful things he did for people and how wonderful he was.
Debbie Harris Canter
January 30, 2009
Terri,
I was so sorry to hear about you losing Earl. I know this is such a hard time for you but I wanted to let you know that I am praying for you and Mallory. I would like to be there but we are in NC. I pray that God will help you. God Bless you.
Butch and Opal Testerman
January 30, 2009
So sorry we could not be with you and Mallory during this time of loss and sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
January 30, 2009
To the family of Earl,
Sorry about the lost of your love one,i never knew you all but having a wonderful firefighter that cares so much then losing them is hard,may
God watch over you all Bless you all
and to all the people that worked with him,help each day get better.
Remember the wonderful things he did for the people in the world.
A person from a firefighter family,
(ABINGDON,VA)
Shirley Carter
January 30, 2009
Dear Terri and Family:
I want you to know that I am sorry about the loss of your husband. I did not know him, but had heard many good things about him. We don't know why things happen the way they do, but we know God is in control. Your faith will carry you through the difficult times.
Your parents are longtime friends of mine and I know you can lean on them.
My prayers are with you. God bless you!
January 30, 2009
May God surround you with his loving arms. Many a person is uplifting you in there prayers.
Lance and Karen Jones
January 30, 2009
To the family of Mr. Morphew,
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jon Ford
January 30, 2009
James will be truly missed I worked with him when I was a Public Safety Officer in Bristol TN. He was alway very professional and very enjoyable to be around. He taught me so much in the EMT field. He will be greatly missed by the whole community.
Bill & Robin Rush
January 30, 2009
Dear Terri and Mallory, We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Earl was a wonderful friend and neighbor. Always was smiling and doing good. The community will be at a loss without him. You must be so proud to call him husband and daddy. Our prayers and thoughts will be with you both. Bill,Robin,Beth,Rachael,Sarah, and Michael Rush
MaryJane Mitchell
January 30, 2009
Mallory,
I'm so sorry for the lost of your father. Just wanted you to know that you and your family are in my thoughts an prayers.
MaryJane Mitchell (Shane's mom)
Paul (Fondie) & Tammy Johnson
January 30, 2009
Terri,Mallory & Ernestine
Sorry to hear of your loss. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mike & Sheila Lampkins
January 30, 2009
Terri & Mallory
We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May the gift of memories that Earl left behind bring you peace and comfort.
Pat & Stoney Stewart
January 30, 2009
Dear Ones & Family
Very sorry to hear about your loss. May God give you strength and comfort during the most difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Christy Spears
January 30, 2009
I am sorry to hear about the lose of Earl he was a great man he taught me so much when i frist joined the crew. He will be deeply missed. He will never be forgotton
January 30, 2009
You all are in the thoughts of so many people in this region; people you don't know but are lifting your family up in prayer. From what I've heard from a fellow fireman, he was a great man, husband, father, and firefighter. I'm sure he will be dearly missed. Remember His love endures forever!
Jody Olinger
January 30, 2009
Mallory, Terri and Porter
We are so sorry for the tragic loss of your father, husband and son-in law. When the Lord calls our loved ones home, he leaves a gift of memories in exchange, so when your heart is empty, fill it with happy memories for Memories are the legacy of love. We can not take away your pain but always remember we have an ear to listen, a hand to hold and a friend who cares, please don't hesitate to call if we can help in anyway. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
God Bless,
Sheena, Jody and Clayborne Olinger
Jackie Coalson Sexton
January 30, 2009
There are no words to express how much your pain is felt by others - deepest symathies to Earl's family and friends. You are in our prayers.
Jackie Coalson Sexton and Roger
Bob Douglas
January 30, 2009
Terri and Mallory,
I am sorry for your loss of Earl. May God grant you peace during this time of grief. Know that Earl touched many lives in his work and many of them are here because of his skill and dedication. I will keep you in my prayers
Angie Ramsey-Skeen
January 30, 2009
Terri, Mallory & Family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. My husband & I worked with Earl several years ago at the Bristol Lifesaving Crew. Earl and I were involved in an accident while answering a call in 1996. After the accident that Earl and I were in, he sent me a thank you card and I still have it, he told me "we will get through this if we stick together" and that we did. I could not have made it without him.
Angels do exist, only sometimes they don't have wings. And we call them friends; Earl was one of them. I will miss him so much. He always cheered me up when he knew I just had a bad day. Earl may be gone but he will never be forgotten, he will forever live in my heart… In our hearts.. Earl was well-loved and he had done so many things on earth and I’m sure he’ll do much more in heaven. I will forever be grateful to have known Earl.
Life hands us many different things, good and bad. One of the greatest gifts we receive is the love of a good friend.
God Bless,
Angie Ramsey-Skeen & Mark Skeen
Jonathan Hopkins
January 30, 2009
I didn't know Earl very well, but I know Mallory. Mallory I am sorry to hear about your Dad. If you ever need to talk or extra prayer let me know. We will be praying for you and your family.
Stephanie Mullins (Dixon)
January 30, 2009
Terri & Mallory,
I can't tell you how sorry I am to hear about your loss. The Dixon family here in Baltimore, MD wants you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Just remember you are both strong people and you will get through this. You have a wonderful supporting family that will help you all the way.
Sharon Rudder
January 30, 2009
Hello, I never knew your husband/father.
My daughter, however, worked with him on Wellmont 1. She has told me he was very devoted to his family and profession. All of the EMS crew was vastly shocked and saddened by his loss. May God comfort you during this trying time.
Brenda & Robert Anderson
January 30, 2009
Our prayers and thoughts are with you during this time of sorrow.May GOD keep you in his tender loving care during this time and in the days ahead.
Todd Threlkeld
January 30, 2009
We are so sorry for your loss. Your loss is heaven's gain.
God Bless You,
Todd and Bambi Threlkeld
Tara Pruitt
January 30, 2009
Words cannot express the sympathy and sorry I feel for the family, friends, and entire Fire/EMS community that Earl was a part of. This is a difficult time for those of us involved in Fire/EMS but we must remember that Earl is in God's hands now and that he would want us to press on. He will be missed greatly but we can honor Earl's memory by continuing on with the work he loved so much and by striving to become what he wanted so much for each of us....the very best we can possibly be.
Sheriff Fred Newman and Members of the Washington County Sheriff's Office
January 30, 2009
Sheriff Fred Newman and the Members of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office would like to express their sympathy in the death of James Earl Morphew, Jr. If our Sheriff’s Office can be of assistance to you during your time of sadness, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Vickie Davidson
January 30, 2009
Terri and family,
May God give you comfort and guidance during this difficult time.
I will remember you in my prayers and thoughts.
Mandi Love Wilder (Gentry)
January 30, 2009
To the family of Earl, I'm so sorry, Earl was a good guy. He always had a smile on his face. I rem. back I worked in the EMS room at BRMC he would come in and say Hi and always ask how my day was. He will be missed.
Barbara,Frankie,Hunter,Teresa,and Johnny Heath's and Thomas's
January 30, 2009
We will always remember Earl for what he did at Frank funeral. To this day I can still hear the bagpipes playing a beautiful sound of music. Our prayers are with you and Mallory and your family. We will think of you all as days go by. My god always be with you all. He will always be remembered because he was a good man to be pound of and to know.
Jamie Healy
January 30, 2009
Dear ones,
So very sorry to hear about the loss of Earl. May his memories bring you comfort in the days that lie ahead. Earl served the community well and may be honored for the duties he held.
God Bless,
Sheila & Jamie Healy
Doug Wright
January 30, 2009
I was really sorry to hear the news about Earl .
Thoughts and prayers to all ...
Barbara Duncan
January 30, 2009
I am deeply saddened by Earl's passing. I considered him a friend. I am a nurse at HVMC and came to know him from working the races together. He always had a laugh and a smile to share. Fed me more chicken than my mommy did growing up. My fondest memory will be of a man to loved oakley sunglasses as much as a woman loves shoes. I think he must have bought at least two pair every year at the drags. Even talked me into a pair of oakley shoes.
Larry, Jennifer, and Nathaniel Thomas
January 30, 2009
Terri and Mallory,
We were so saddened to hear of Earl's passing. He was such a wonderful person that will be remembered by so many in the community and in other communities in years to come. We are praying that God will wrap his loving arms around you both and comfort you as only He can during this most difficult time and in the months ahead.
Lisa Berry
January 30, 2009
Terri & Mallory,
We cannot even begin to imagine your pain and the loss that you are feeling at this most difficult time in your life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, and I know that God will give you strength and courage for He is the Father of compassion and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles. You will have peace in knowing that one day you will be joined with Earl again in eternity. Our love and prayers,
Dean, Lisa & Kayla Berry
Patricia Barnett
January 30, 2009
I sure will miss having Earl around. He was always very happy and friendly. Iwill miss his presence at the "CREW".
Ruth Matthews
January 30, 2009
The Emergency Department at Takoma Regional Hospital share in your loss of Earl, may God be watching over you as you go through this sad time,He will greatly be missed by his Takoma Emergency Department family,If you need anything please let us know.
Theresa Kingsley
January 30, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Earl was a devoted paramedic and was one of the best in the EMS field. He will be greatly missed.
Ashley Jo Odum (Maloyed)
January 30, 2009
Terri and Mallory,
I can't tell you how sorry I was to hear about Earl. He was one of the finest men I knew. Please know you'll both be in my thoughts and prayers.
Scott and Claudine McCormick
January 30, 2009
Terri and Family, We are so sorry for your loss. This is a loss for so many. Our love, thoughts, and prayers are with you. May God Bless You as only He can.
Rachel Keller
January 30, 2009
I was deeply sadden to hear about Earl's death. I went to school with him and remember his kindness. He will be missed by the community and his friends.May the memories you have of Earl bring you comfort in the days and weeks to come. Thank you Earl for all the kind acts that you provided. You will live in our hearts forever. Rachel Keller
Richard and Sandy Monk
January 30, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Elizabeth Stanley
January 30, 2009
so sorry for your loss we will be praying for you Jacob and Lee , we are especially praying for you, we hope GOD will send comfort at this time. We love you Jacob Roy and Elizabeth Stanley and Leon,Jake,and Stan
Hal Cole EMT-P
January 30, 2009
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Donna McGhee Kristie Thomas Hall
January 30, 2009
Terri and Mallory,
So very sorry about your loss, words can not begin to tell you how we feel, we both worked with Earl many times in the past. You all are in our prayers and thoughts.
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