JAMES LEE MURPHY

James Lee Murphy died Dec. 18, 2025 at University Hospital in Columbia, Mo. Lee was born November 2, 1961 in Kirksville, Mo. He is the son of Sharon and Don Murphy of Paris, Mo. He is a 1980 graduate of Fort Zumwalt High School, O’Fallon, Mo.
He married Susan Cox, October 20, 1984 and they resided in rural LaGrange, Mo.
Lee had many interests, and was known as one of the best mushroom hunters in the area, often finding the very first and the very last mushroom of the season, with pounds and pounds in between. His best year was finding over one hundred pounds of mushrooms in 1995. He enjoyed reading, being with friends around a camp fire, playing quakes and horseshoes, always with a cold beverage. He was an avid fan of St. Louis Cardinals baseball and Kansas City Chiefs football. He also enjoyed NASCAR racing, TV and movie westerns, and attended many rock concerts. He liked to tell funny stories about his adventures, giving detailed accounts of hilarious incidents and the laughter that accompanied each story. Lee also enjoyed fishing with friends and grandkids and yearly deer hunts with his family including his parents, siblings and daughters.
He was employed at C. K. Powers in Palmyra for many years. He faced a pancreatic cancer diagnosis with courage and hope, driving himself to each chemo and radiation appointment. He made many new memories with his friends and family and was able to travel and enjoy new adventures during the last few years. He attended many of his grandkids sporting events, cheering them on through the pain of his disease.  Lee’s courage through his illness was an inspiration to all who knew him. 
He enjoyed being a ‘Girl Dad’ loving his three daughters with all his heart. He was very proud of their accomplishments and their college educations and careers. He was excited to become a Grandpa and each grandchild had a special bond with him.
Survivors include Susan Murphy, their daughters, Mandy and Trent Eisenberg of LaGrange, Marcy and Ryne Schrage of Moscow Mills, and Mariah Murphy of LaGrange. He adored his grandchildren, Zoey, Roran and Lucy Eisenberg, Quinn and Ivy Schrage and baby Schrage, expected in the Spring. Also surviving are his parents, Sharon and Don Murphy, sisters, Lisa and Kevin Crider of Paris, Mo. and Gina and Kent Kammerer of Texas and a brother, Les Murphy of Mexico, Mo., brother and sister in-laws, Ed and Rita Cox of LaGrange, Dave Cox, Sandy and Bart Thompson of California and Christine and Clan Killian of Idaho. Also surviving are aunts, Pat and Bob Meyer, Jo McSorley, Ann Pearl, Uncle Bud and Betty Johnson; friends, Stan Kelley, Rodney Farr, Bernie Cosgrove, and Charles Stiles. Many nieces and nephews, cousins, relatives and friends survive.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Bob and Lillian Johnson, Pete and Fran Murphy, Mary S. and Charles O. Rogers, in-laws Ed and Kathy Cox, biological father Jon Rogers, and several friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 2 to 4 p.m., January 24, 2026 at the Old Presbyterian Church, upper level, 109 N. Fourth Street, LaGrange, Mo.
Memorials may be made to his daughters to help with final expenses.