Jim Murray

James Robert Murray, lovingly known to all as “Jim,” passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 3:53 p.m. at Baptist Health in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was 82 years old.

Jim was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on May 9, 1943, to Clyle A. Murray and Pauline L. Murray (Noles). Although he spent some time in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, as a child and in New Orleans working as a mechanic, Jim spent most of his life in Jonesboro, Arkansas—a town he came to know like the back of his hand. Through his years living and working in Jonesboro, he developed a deep knowledge of the town’s buildings, streets, and history. He could tell you just about anything about what Jonesboro used to be—and how much it has grown over the decades. Jim had the gift of being able to talk to anyone—clients, friends, or strangers alike—and he earned respect not only for his knowledge but for the kindness and warmth he brought into every room. If you had a few minutes to listen, he always had a story worth hearing.

Jim retired from a long career in sales, having spent more than 25 years selling cable and radio advertising all around Jonesboro. As a teenager, he worked as a motorcycle courier for Globe Pharmacy on Main Street. He loved that job because he was paid to ride a motorcycle, until he could save up his money to buy his own motorcycle out of a Sears catalog. He later became a Volkswagen mechanic, which sparked a passion that stuck with him for the rest of his life.

Jim was a Volkswagen Beetle enthusiast. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of their mechanics and design, and for years, he collected Volkswagen memorabilia of every kind. Many people in Jonesboro still remember Jim’s unmistakable custom-built black VW Beetle with a large silver wind-up key mounted on the back. He rigged it with a homemade switch that could spin the key while he was driving and stop when he came to a halt. It became a local icon in Jonesboro—if you didn’t know Jim personally, chances are you knew his car. It was quirky, unforgettable, and somehow captured Jim’s playful spirit perfectly. That little toy Beetle puttering down the street brought smiles to people of all ages, just like the man behind the wheel.

He was also a voracious reader, often checking out multiple books at a time from the local library. His favorite subjects included drumming, Volkswagens, and World War II—topics he explored not just casually, but with depth and genuine fascination.

Jim’s greatest passion in life was music. He was a drummer through and through—someone who didn’t just play drums but lived and breathed it. He had a special love for early rock and roll, but he truly appreciated any music with a solid beat, regardless of the genre. His dedication to drumming led him to invent his own patented product called the “Bass Drum Muffler,” a fitted pillow placed inside a kick drum to reduce unwanted tones. It was a testament to his passion and creativity. Jim was the drummer for many different bands throughout the years and was a devoted drummer in his praise and worship band at church in his later years.

Jim was a man of quiet faith and a member of Strawfloor Baptist Church. His faith wasn’t loud or showy, but steady, sincere, and evident in the way he treated others—with patience, gentleness, and a big heart for children.

Jim is survived by his devoted wife of more than 30 years, Luci Murray (Watkins), and by the family he so deeply cherished. His surviving children are Robbie Murray of Carrollton, Georgia; Grant Murray of Springdale, Arkansas; and Candice Murray of Jonesboro. He also shared a close bond with Luci’s daughter, Lela Duhon, and her husband, Brian Duhon, of Jonesboro. Jim was a proud grandfather to Kyndal, Emily, Alan, Brittney, Ross, and Bryant, and a great-grandfather to Felix, Mia, Jasper, Atlas, Vincent, Jake, and Millie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyle and Pauline Murray; his older sister, Shirley Summers; his younger brother, Rick Murray; and his eldest son, James Murray.

Jim’s life was full—of rhythm, creativity, kindness, and curiosity. He wasn’t a man who sought attention, but one whose presence made others feel seen. Whether through a good conversation, a shared laugh, or the familiar sound of drumsticks keeping time, he left his mark on the people and town he loved.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 PM, Monday, June 2, 2025, at Emerson Memorial Chapel with Don Miller officiating and Emerson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.  The burial will be at Caraway Cemetery with family serving as pallbearers. Cousins will serve as honorary pallbearers.  Visitation will be from 1:00 until service time.

For lasting memorials, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis Tennessee. 38105, an organization close to Jim’s heart and a fitting way to honor a man who never stopped caring for others—especially children.

His was a life well-lived, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him. To sign an online guestbook, go to emersonfuneralhome.com.