James Lee Murphy

James Lee Murphy was born on July 10, 1957, to the late Robert Murphy and Wilhelmina D. Suber Corbett. On Sunday, March 30, 2025, he peacefully departed this life to enter the place that Jesus prepared for all believers.

The eldest of eight siblings, James attended Eau Claire High School in Columbia, S.C. He was a hardworking and compassionate man who found joy in painting and helping those in need. He had a passion for many trades and took pride in his skills.

Our father loved cooking and cherished being a role model for his grandchildren, teaching them valuable life lessons. More than anything, he loved his children unconditionally and would give the shirt off his back to help others.

James was introduced to Christ at an early age and found joy in attending worship services. He was dedicated to supporting his brother, Reverend Mickey Joyner, in ministry. He was baptized at First Nazareth and was an active member of Men for Kingdom Building in Columbia, South Carolina.

In addition to his parents, James was also preceded in death by two sisters, Wilhelmina Deloris Corbett Anderson, and Wilma Corbett; brother, Michael Suber; and one grandchild, Shantarius “Ontario” Thompson.

Those who are cherishing fond and precious memories of James are his four children, eldest daughter, Tamyabra Thompson; son, Antonio Thompson; middle daughter, Monicky Murphy; and youngest daughter, Novetta Murphy; sixteen adoring grandchildren, and three precious great-grandchildren; his siblings, Rev. Mickey (Teresa Harvin) Joyner, Gregory Suber,  Joseph Corbett, Jr.  and Jennifer L. Corbett, all of Columbia, SC, Jeannette (Phillip) Robey of Louisville, Kentucky; and Aswanda Corbett of Rockhill, SC; mother of his children, Johnny Mae Murphy; and a host of other loving relatives and dear friends, all of whom will dearly miss him.

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