James Thomas (Tommy) Murfee, III  - 1992

James Thomas Murfee, III, grew up in Marion, Alabama, and graduated from Marion Military Institute’s High School where he was an exceptional athlete in football, basketball, baseball, and golf.  He was also an outstanding student and a member of the National Honor Society. 

During the next two years Tommy attended Marion Military as a junior college student.  Only 5’8” tall and 145 pounds, he was the starting tailback and safety for two years.  He was a basketball guard, and played the number one position in the golf team fro two seasons.  In 1952, he was selected as the Best All-Around College Athlete.  He was a Dean’s List student, and valedictorian of his class.  He completed the ROTC program as a cadet captain. 

Tommy then entered the University of Virginia.  There he played two years on the Cavalier golf team, and was a member of the Virginia Intercollegiate Championship Team in 1954.  His collegiate career was in the best tradition of the scholar athlete.  He was named to the Dean’s List and selected for membership in Phi Delta Kappa.  He was graduated in 1954.  The following year, he earned a Master of Education Degree from UVA.  Later, he received a Doctorate in Education from the University of Alabama. 

Commissioned as a second lieutenant in the infantry, Murfee entered active duty in September of 1955.  In addition to these duties as a platoon leader and staff officer, he played on the Fifth Army Golf Team, and was Fifth Army Champion in 1957.  He competed in the All-Army Golf Tournament in 1956 and 1957. 

He returned to Marion Military Institute as an instructor in political science and mathematics.  He was also the golf coach.  Three years later, he became athletic director.  In 1972 he was appointed vice president of academic affairs.  In addition to these duties he continued to serve as golf coach and sports information director.  He is a member if the Alabama Sports Writers Association. 

During his thirty-five years as golf coach, Tommy has had eight conference team champions, including titles, and two players were NJCAA Regional Champions.  On ten occasions his players have made NJCAA All-Region Teams.  Twenty-five of his players have received All-Conference honors. 

His teams have been represented in the NJCAA Tournament six times.  During these events two of his players have received the Sportsmanship Award.  In 1971, Tommy won the NJCAA Coaches’ Championship Tournament. 

When the Alabama Junior College Conference was formed in 1967, Tommy Murfee played a leadership role.  In fact, he was the unpaid Commissioner for five years.  In 19772, he received a plaque of appreciation from presidents of Alabama Junior Colleges. 

He served in the city of Marion Planning and Industrial Development Committees, the Committee to study Marion Public Schools, and he was a founding director of the Marion Country Club.  He is a leader in the Marion united Methodist Church, and a past president of the Marion Lions Club. 

His community awards include Outstanding Educator of America, “Community Leaders of America”, “Who’s Who in Alabama” and the Boy Scouts of America “Good Turn Award”.   

Tommy is married to the former Ann Webb of Montgomery, Alabama.  They have three children and seven grandchildren.