James Ernest Murdock Sr., born June 13, 1937 in Mullins, SC, died on January 27, 2023 in Fredericksburg, VA.

He is preceded in death by his parents Alma (née Drew) and Ernest Murdock, and sisters Helen, Marie, Rosalie, and Doris.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Barbara (née Flenner) of Locust Grove, VA; three children, James Murdock Jr. (Terry) of Fredericksburg, VA, Jayme Becker (Mel) of Fredericksburg, VA, and Cindy Shepard (Mark) of Locust Grove, VA; seven grandchildren, Ginny Cox, Kelsey (Nick) Howald, Caitlin Becker, Shannon (Andrew) Becker-Bolton, Megan Becker, Tanner Shepard, Jennifer Shepard, and three great-grandchildren, James Hoover, Norea Nolte, Hannah Howald, and one on the way. He is also survived by his brother Bill Murdock of Swansboro, NC and numerous nephews and nieces.

He was an Army veteran stationed in Greenland and France. After the Army, he worked for the federal government for 36 years until his retirement at 55.

In retirement he owned and operated Broadfield Christmas Tree Farm in Colonial Beach, VA. He loved to travel, fish, boat, visit casinos, and take trips to Florida.

The most important thing in his life was his family. He met the love of his life Barbara Flenner of Saxton, PA at a square dance in 1959. They were married four months later and built their life in Virginia. A long-time resident of Locust Grove, VA, he loved being with his family and especially liked helping and teaching. He could wire your house, build an addition, and teach you how to do it.

An honorable man who lived an honorable life.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at Laurel Hill Funeral Home in Spotsylvania, VA at 11:30 AM. Family visitation will begin at 10:00 AM with public visitation beginning at 10:30 AM. Reception immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Gary Sinise Foundation. More information can be found at https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/give