James Verd Murdock, 74, of Idaho Falls, passed away on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at MorningStar Senior Living. He was under the care of Brio Hospice.

James was born on December 1, 1949, in Carey, Idaho to Thomas Verd Murdock and Margaret Barton Murdock. He grew up in Carey and graduated from Carey High School. He participated in school government and was active in many sports, he was a great athlete.  He attended Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho.

He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served a mission to Copenhagen, Denmark. He was eventually able to go back to Copenhagen and go through the temple, which was the chapel during his mission.

He married Denise Frankum, and they adopted 5 children. They were later divorced. On June 14, 2002, he married Claudia Jean Hawker in Sugar City, Idaho.

He worked for Kraft. He started at the bottom, which took him to Washington to work for other companies and became a plant manager. He enjoyed making rubber band Gatling Guns, 4-wheeling with his family, fishing with his dad, and especially spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Claudia Murdock of Idaho Falls, ID; his children: J.R. Murdock of Mount Vernon, WA, Christa Vasquez of Burlington, WA, Frank (Courtney) Murdock of Puyallup, WA, and Carey (Ben) Yada of Newcastle, WA; stepchildren: Troy (Jill) Sakota of Rexburg, ID, Melanie Sakota of Idaho Falls, ID, Jeryl Sakota of Tucson, AZ, and Laren Sakota of Shanghai, China; sisters: Diane (Darwin) Parke of Carey, ID, Mary (Duane) Hansen of South Jordan, UT, Peggy (Dean) Merrell of Mesa, AZ, Cindy (Doug) Bennion of New Zealand, and Jolene (Mark) Maquire of Beaverton, OR; brothers: Gary (Peggy) Murdock of Idaho Falls, ID and Bart (Karen) Murdock of Burley, ID; and 18 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Verd and Margaret Murdock; and his son Todd Eric Murdock.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 16, 2024, at Cedar Ridge Ward Chapel, 3195 S. Holmes, Idaho Falls. The family will meet with friends and family from 5:30-7:00 p.m., Friday, March 15, 2024, at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street, Idaho Falls, and one hour prior to services at the church. Interment will be at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, at the Pella Cemetery, 350 W. 400 S., Burley.  Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.coltrinmortuary.com.