James M. Murchison

Funeral services for Dr. James M. Murchison, age 75 of Cookeville, will be held Thursday, February 6, 2020 at 1:00 pm in the Chapel of Hooper Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home. Rev. Andrew Berg, associate minister of Grace Presbyterian Church, will officiate with Jim's friend Bill Olinghouse delivering the eulogy. Interment will follow in Cookeville City Cemetery. His family will receive friends Thursday 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Jim Murchison died Monday February 3, 2020 at Signature Healthcare of Putnam County. He was born Monday July 17, 1944 in Memphis, TN to the late James M. and Clarice House Murchison. He attended high school in Raleigh, North Carolina and attended Oak Ridge Military Academy (N.C.) before enlisting in the US Army. He served as captain and was a Vietnam War veteran and received The Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service, The Bronze Star Medal for heroism in ground combat and was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in action, among other recognitions. He earned BS and MS degrees from The American University in Washington, D.C. and a PhD from City University of London. He worked as a systems analyst in various industries. Later in his career he became an associate professor at Columbia (TN) State for 15 years, living in Columbia before moving to Cookeville 16 years ago. Jim enjoyed learning and had many interests including studying Christian topics, robotics and working on cars. He was generous in serving others at The Care Center in Cookeville and visiting in nursing homes and hospitals. He was a member of Grace Presbyterian Church. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by father-in-law and mother-in-law, Robert and Anne Poteet of Cookeville. He is survived his wife of 44 years, Sherri Poteet Murchison whom he married on their sixth date. Other survivors include his brother, Bill Murchison and wife Marian of Raleigh, NC; nieces, Hallie and Marcia; brother-in-law, Robert Poteet of Cookeville; and special family members, Sean, Jie, Jeffrey and Jane Xue. Pallbearers will be family and friends. Memorial contributions may be made to Samaritan's Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607 and/or the Veterans Honor Guard, P.O. Box 67, Cookeville, TN 38503. Hooper-Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Share memories and condolences at hhhfunerals.com