James "Jim" E. Murphy also known as Murph as well as "Chief", 75, died Monday, August 5, 2013 in Chicago. Jim was born August 18, 1937 in Dewitt, Arkansas to Charles and May (Edwards) Murphy. He lived in Dewitt as a farmer then moved to Rochelle. He married Alcie Robertson on February 23, 1960 and worked at Con-Tel for 26 years as a cable locator and line-man, retiring from there. He loved to talk with people, fish, hunt, garden and work with wood, building things. As a child, he learned to play the harmonica, which he continued throughout his life. He was a gentle, kind man. He would befriend wild animals - having raised a family of skunks in his garage!

Jim is preceded by his son, Michael Murphy of TN, his parents, Charlie and May of Rochelle, his mother and father-in-law, Elbert and Minnie Robertson of TN, brothers-in-law, Art and Ray Robertson of TN, sister-in-law, Mary Meier of TN and brother-in-law, Robert Smith of TN.

Jim is survived by his wife, Alcie of 53 ½ years, his son Ricky Murphy of TN, his daughter, Janice Gunning of Rochelle, 3 step-daughters, Brenda (Gary) Williams of Rochelle, Barbara (George) Dickens of TX and Alice Louis of AR; step-son, Johnny (Patsy) Lawrence of AR, 7 grandchildren: Elizabeth, Ashley, Zachary, Angel Amanda, Justin and James; 10 step-grandchildren including Brandi, Crystal, Daniel, Michelle; 4 great-grandchildren; numerous step-great grandchildren including Christin, Dusti, Elizabeth, Kaitlyn and Garrett.

The funeral service will be 1:30 P.M., Thursday, August 8, 2013 at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. 6th St., Rochelle. The visitation will be from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M., Wednesday, August 7, 2013 at the funeral home. Burial is at Lawnridge Cemetery. A Memorial has been established.