James's Life Journey

On November 20, 1963, in Knoxville, Tennessee, Dorothy Woodard Yarbrough and James Henry Murphy became the proud parents of a baby boy, their eldest child, whom they named James Edward Yarbrough also known as "Squeeky".

James began his Christian walk with God at Mount Olive Baptist Church in his early years of life. He started his educational career in the Knoxville Public School System beginning at East Port Elementary School, Vine Junior High School, and finished with his high school diploma at Fulton High School in the year of 1982. James then furthered his education at Murray State University where he also became a well renounced football player and an AVID member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated.

James slipped peacefully into eternity on Monday, July 17, 2023, in the loving presence of his beloved wife and family.

James was proceeded in death by his maternal grandparents James and Irene Woodard, as well as his paternal grandparents Chester and Revester Jarnigan; aunts: Inetta Jackson, Laverna Hall, Regina Wallace, and Maria Jarnigan and one uncle: Cecil Woodard

His laughter, love, and legacy will forever live on in the hearts of his Wife, Beverly Yarbrough; Four Children: Antonia (Lashameka) Diggs, DeMarcus (Chantal) Diggs, Jamia Yarbrough, and James Yarbrough, II; Parents: Dorothy Woodard Yarbrough and James Henry Murphy; Two Sisters: Sharon and Carmen Yarbrough; Three Brothers: Kevin Lee, Condus Murphy, and James Murphy. Three Sister-in-Laws: Rita Riggs, Sandra Swanson, and Greta Lacy, Three Aunts: Carolyn Woodard, Della Woodard, Dorothy (Kenneth) Jenkins; Five Grandchildren: Liam, Landon, Logan, Jaliyah, and Dakari; Niece: Tyshonna Hoffman, God Father: William Strong, along with many other relatives, associates, friends, and fraternal brothers.

The Celebration of Life Service will by streamed via YouTube under the Evergreen Memorial Funeral Home. The live stream will be available to view at 11:55 am on Saturday, July 29, 2023.