Sharing and Caring Comes Full Circle

Jim Murphy credits his mother, Johnnie, with his habit of having and cultivating a positive outlook, his desire to make it a point to share what he has and his ability to care for those around him. "What I have become is because of my home, my family, the military, business mentors/partners and the coaches and faculty at Tech," says Jim. He is appreciative of all those who believed in him and wanted him to become the best person possible.

Many people are surprised to learn that Jim came to Tech not from Texas, but from London, England. After graduating from high school in Victoria, Texas, Jim served in the Air Force in England for 4 years. Part of his assignment there included playing on the Air Force football team which won the UK championship three years in a row. It was his Air Force coach who advised him to talk to Coach Don Dempsey. That connection resulted in Jim becoming a member of the Wonder Boys team in 1967. He earned a full scholarship while playing Offensive Guard at Tech. During that time, Jim's team won the AIC Championship twice; and his parents, Johnnie and George, made the 12 1/2 hour drive from Texas to watch every home game.

After graduating with his bachelor degree in Economics in 1971, Jim worked as an auditor for the IRS. But in 1972, he was recruited by C.R. Turner to begin what has become a very successful career in the insurance business. "A combination of hard work, fortunate timing and people helping me has blessed my career."

This spring, Jim established the James Chester Murphy Revocable Trust. Through this trust, a portion of his estate will be used for scholarships for future Arkansas Tech students. "Setting up a trust is an easy way to share and care in perpetuity."