News Summary
James ‘Jim’ Edward Murdock, a beloved father and community member, passed away at 87. His legacy includes a devoted family and cherished memories shared with the community. Friends remember Jim as ‘Jimmy’ or the ‘Music Man,’ highlighting his joyful spirit. A celebration of his life is planned in Brighton, Michigan.
Plymouth, Michigan – James “Jim” Edward Murdock, a cherished father and community member, passed away on May 18, 2025, at the age of 87. His death marks the end of a life filled with kindness, positive spirit, and a deep commitment to family and friends.
Jim was born on April 5, 1938, in Detroit, Michigan, to James and Juanita (Raica) Murdock. He leaves behind a large family, including his six children: James (Kim), Nancy (Michael) Rose, Charles (Sandra), Elizabeth (Paul) Shepard, Ed, and Diane (Greg) Kearns. He also had numerous grandchildren—Jacob, Tommy, Curtis, Charlie Jr., Valerie, Hillary, Anne-Marie, Steven, Nick, Claire, Stephanie, Carrie, Greg Jr., Mary, and James—and great-grandchildren: Emery, Lincoln, Brie, Maren, CeCe, Eva, Levi, and Wesley. Jim’s legacy extends through his family, which he loved dearly.
In addition to his immediate family, Jim had three siblings: John (Karen) Murdock, Donald (Nancy) Murdock, and Donna Ryan. He was preceded in death by his son, Thomas Murdock, his sister, Mary Lou (the late Louis) Waldock, and his parents, James and Juanita Murdock.
Jim dedicated over 30 years of his life as a District Manager for the Detroit News before retiring. Following his retirement, he moved to North Port, Florida, where he enjoyed a fulfilling 23 years of life by the beach. His time in Florida was vibrant as he cherished mornings spent having breakfast with friends and reconnecting with former colleagues.
After relocating back to Michigan, Jim settled in an assisted living home in Plymouth. He was fondly known as “Jimmy” or the “Music Man,” a nickname earned from his habit of playing music on his cell phone while getting around on an electric scooter. His unique spirit and infectious joy endeared him to many both in the assisted living community and beyond.
Remembered for his warmth and compassion, Jim touched the lives of everyone he encountered. His legacy lives on through the love he shared and the joy he brought to others. A celebration of his life will be held at Keehn-Griffin Funeral Home in Brighton, Michigan, on May 22, 2025. The event is scheduled from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., with a service commencing at 3 p.m. Family members encourage memorial tributes and condolences to be shared online at www.Keehngriffinfuneralhome.com.
As family and friends prepare to honor Jim Murdock’s remarkable life, his presence will surely be missed, but his love and kindness will continue to resonate in the hearts of those who were fortunate to have known him.
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- Detroit Free Press Obituaries
- Google Search: James Murdock obituary
- Dignity Memorial: James Murdock
- Wikipedia: Obituary
- Legacy.com: James Murdock
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Obituary
- Tribute Archive: James Murdock
- Google News: James Murdock death
Author: STAFF HERE PLYMOUTH WRITER
The PLYMOUTH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPlymouth.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Plymouth, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Plymouth Ice Festival, Art in the Park, and the Plymouth Fall Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Plymouth Community Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Plymouth, plus leading businesses in automotive and retail that power the local economy such as Roush Industries and Downtown Plymouth businesses. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HERENovi.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
