James “Jim” Lawrence Murrell, age 87, of Drasco, Arkansas passed away Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at his home. He was born December 13, 1937 in Fort Worth, Texas to the late John Monroe Murrell and Jennie Mae Rountree Murrell. 

Jim was a loving husband, dad, and papa. He and his wife, Kaye, enjoyed 62 years of marriage, and he still claimed she was “the prettiest woman he knew”. They had a close knit family of 3 children, 10 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. 

Jim was a Christian man who enjoyed teaching and singing in his home church of Oak Grove. He also loved to play his guitar and sing with his many friends at other churches, gathered in living rooms with friends and family, and especially with friends in Mountain View. He and Kaye enjoyed traveling and taking long drives. They loved hills and mountains from east to west. Their favorite view, though, was from their front porch or back deck, sharing a cup of coffee with friends and family. Jim loved telling stories, playing games, and sharing memories of his growing up years. 

During the last several years, Jim stayed closer to home, enjoying spending time with his family, watching all the wildlife around his home, and mowing his lawn as often as he could. 

Jim was a man full of life who loved his family and their many friends who frequented their home. He loved camping, hiking, bonfires, and really anything outdoors. For those who knew him best, they will never forget his wisdom and wise quotes, especially his most famous one, which he always laughingly claimed changed many lives - “You are never alone when you are with somebody.” 

Jim is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Duane Murrell; sisters, Marjorie Goff, Helen Walker, Elaine Hollis, Fern Lewis, Kay Goble, Gloria Cannon; and two grandchildren, Jedidiah Murrell and Daniel Murrell. 

He is survived by his wife, Sharon Kaye (Grant) Murrell; son, Kirk Murrell (Teresa) of Drasco, Arkansas; daughters, Lisa Spinks (Loyd) of Concord, Arkansas, and Kim Birdsong (Darrin) of Drasco, Arkansas; grandchildren, Kelly McPike (Aron), Tyrel Murrell, Levi Spinks, Rachel Spinks, Will Spinks, JoAna Spinks, Hayden Birdsong, and Katie Yohe (Andy); and great-grandchildren, Wrenley Yohe, Breanna McPike, Adi McPike, Lily Spinks, and TJ Spinks. He will be missed and remembered by his large family and many many friends. 

A Visitation will be held at 1:00 PM, Saturday, February 15, 2025 at Oak Grove Church in Drasco, Arkansas followed by the Funeral Service at 2:00 PM with Darvin Carlton officiating. The Interment will be Friendship Cemetery in Drasco, Arkansas with no graveside service.

Pallbearers are Levi Spinks, Will Spinks, Tyrel Murrell, Hayden Birdsong, Andy Yohe, and Darrin Birdsong. Honorary Pallbearers are Jimmy Grant, Marty Grant, Von Hollis, Mark Phillips, Larry West, Jerry Nelson, Jason Cornelison, and Aron McPike.