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BORN
1944
DIED
2013
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James Murdock Obituary
He was born April 20, 1944, in Williamsfield, the son of James H. and Mary Gibbs Murdock. He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents, Lance and Ava Sloan Gibbs; and both siblings, Mary Ann Graves and Joe Murdock.
He married Louise Annette Webb on Aug. 7, 1965, at the Dahinda Methodist Church. She survives of Galesburg. They raised three children, Annette Ferris of Galesburg, James Lance "Matt" (Deb) Murdock, and Alan (Nicole) Murdock. Six grandchildren also survive, Tyler, Max, Carlie, Jayce, Paige and James "Lance."
He loved auctioneering, traveling, tennis and basketball. His grandchildren were the light of his life.
He graduated from Williamsfield High School, Canton Community College and Western Illinois University. While in high school and college, he played eight years of basketball, track and baseball. He served as FFA president, receiving the Star Greenhand Award and the State Farmer Award.
He taught business classes at Knoxville High School and also coached basketball. He created the CWT Program at Knoxville High School. He owned the Knoxville Ice Company, Knoxville Auction Block and had a fundraising business. He was an insurance agent for American Family Life Insurance Company and was an independent agent for the rest of his life.
He served as Jaycees president and participated in the National Speech Contest in Atlanta, Ga. He originated the statewide Jaycees Honey Sunday fundraiser for Muscular Dystrophy. He taught Sunday school and served as a Boy Scout leader.
Jim loved volunteering and working on many projects. He was a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Galesburg and Gideon's.
Cremation rites are accorded. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 12, 2013, at Bethel Baptist Church in Galesburg. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2013, at Bethel Baptist Church. Rev. Lee Johnson will officiate. Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Home & Crematory, Knoxville, is in charge of arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to the family. Online condolences can be made at www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Murdock
Sponsored by Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes - Knoxville.
Shirley Jo Westbay-Placher
August 14, 2013
To all of U !! I just heard of this.I am so deeply sorry. Louise, I have always thot the world of You guys. Hands down!! he was our favorite teacher and a very good friend. He'd always say,"I Luv ya Kid" at the end of our visits,wherever that might be.He'd make you laugh til your ribs hurt n still he kept that light around him. May God keep,guide n keep u strong He will be so missed.
Kendall Gearhart
August 13, 2013
Matt, so sorry to hear about your loss. Your dad was a great man and I can still hear him calling me "Shoes" at our basketball games for the frat. Remember all the good times, I know that is what he would want. Sincerely, Ken Gearhart
Alan Terry
August 12, 2013
I will always remember Jim for his laugh and great passion for life. His play by play at our basketball games were hilarious. He and Louise always made me feel welcome when we made trips to Galesburg for a getaway from college life. I pray that his love for his family and the memories you have of him help ease this pain. God bless.
Alan Terry
Jeanette Lucas
August 12, 2013
I had hime as a teacher at Knoxville. I remember going on a trip to Chicago for the school paper and Jim and his wife were our chaperones. We had such a good time. Talked to hime a few times in Walmart. He always had smile on his face. He will be greatly missed. So sorry for your loss.
Mary DeWitt
August 11, 2013
My thots and prayers are with the family.
Ila Mason
August 11, 2013
Sorry to hear of your dad's passing, Annette. Prayers to you and your family.
August 11, 2013
Sorry to hear of your dad's passing, Annette. Prayers to you and your family.
August 10, 2013
I always looked forward to visiting with Jim whenever our families got together and hearing his serious and funny stories. That twinkle in his eyes kept me anxious to hear what he had to say and it was always worth wating for. I'll miss him.
Bill Montelbano
Linda Tate
August 9, 2013
I remember Jim when he started teaching, then getting to know the family when our children went to school together. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
mary allen
August 9, 2013
i remember Mr. Murdock as a teacher when i went Knoxville High, my husband remembers him from auctions at Corbins
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Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes - Knoxville120 South Public Square, Knoxville, IL 61448
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