James W. Murrin, 88, lifelong resident of Indianola, passed away on Thursday, April 15, 2021 at St. John Medical Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

James was born on October 16, 1932 at a rural home 4 miles southwest of Indianola to Charles Audrey and Geney (Reed) Murrin.  Two months later his family moved to a ranch two miles southwest of his birthplace.  James attended school at Indianola where he graduated in 1952.  After graduation he continued his ranching activities at his fathers ranch and gradually started putting together his own ranch southeast of where he had lived for 31 years.

On October 26, 1963 James married Betty Bailey and two days later they moved into their new home which was being finished on the night they were married.  James and Betty had two beliefs that they stuck with, as Christians, once saved always saved and in marriage, once married always married.  Betty and James were real active in their church until physically they had to start slowing down.  He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Indianola and was a longtime Deacon for the church.  He was also a member of the Gideons.  He retired from the McAlester Army Ammunition Plant and worked construction most of his life along with being a lifelong rancher.  He enjoyed hog and coon hunting and taking care of and riding horses.

Survivors include his wife, Betty J. Murrin; two sons and daughters-in-law, Monty and Lawanda Murrin, Robert and Angie Murrin; grandchildren, Michael Holt, Jessica Holt, Cullen Murrin, Zachary Murrin, Audra Murrin, Bonnie Murrin, Lily Murrin and Maxie Murrin; great-grandchildren, Hunter Holt, Ryder Holt and Emilee Holt; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Andy Murrin; three sisters, Elizabeth Armstrong, Margaret Tucker, Louise Briggs and one brother, Buck Murrin.

Active pallbearers will be Arlene Yoder, J. Paul Yoder, Dallas Yoder, Ronnie Tennison, Marcus Armstrong and Michael Armstrong.  Honorary pallbearers will be Charles Groves, Roy Stiles, Mark Thomas, Travis Robbins and Leon Murrin.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 20, 2021 at the First Baptist Church in Indianola with Pastor Mike Perry officiating.  Burial will be at Indianola Cemetery.