Carson-Newman College honored South Carolinians Jim and Irene Murphy March 29.
Jim and Irene Murphy became the first married couple to receive together Carson-Newman College’s Distinguished Alumni award. College president Randall O’Brien presented the award, and the couple’s daughter, Julie, a 1992 graduate, was on hand to help her parents celebrate.The Murphys, of Greenwood, received the Distinguished Alumnus and Distinguished Alumna awards, marking the first time the recognition has been shared by husband and wife.
The couple has worked to make the world a better place through their shared ministry over the last half century, say those who know them. James R. Thomason, pastor of Anderson’s First Baptist Church, said his friends “influence those around them to be better, to care more deeply and to serve others in ways that will make a difference in their lives and in the kingdom.”
As Carson-Newman students, both were active in Baptist Collegiate Ministries, which foreshadowed their professional careers and commitment to their faith. In the years following graduation, both invested themselves in a host of service roles.
Jim worked as Saluda Baptist Association’s director of church and community ministry and later as executive director for Greenwood County’s Food Bank. He served for 21 years with the North American Mission Board and seven years with South Carolina Woman’s Missionary Union. His volunteerism has included roles as a team member and as a leader on several domestic and international mission trips.
Irene’s career has included being an associate for the Woman’s Missionary Union. Other service included working for Foothills United Way, the Literacy Association of Anderson County, the North American Mission Board and Saluda Association. She has been honored on several occasions for her commitment to literacy education.
The couple has two children and four grandchildren.