James Lawrence Murdock, M.D.

Homage to a true Renaissance Man

He was born James Lawrence Murdock, May 13, 1938, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Virginia Cleaveland Murdock and Lawrence B. Murdock of Webster Groves, Missouri, where he grew up and flourished.

Jim, a deeply beloved husband, father, grandfather and renowned vascular surgeon, gifted musician and elite athlete, died October 18, 2026, after a prolonged illness.  Known for his kindness and talents, Jim was a true Renaissance Man.  He left an indelible mark on every life he touched.  He lived a life defined by excellence, integrity, humility and service.

As a highly respected and exceptionally popular surgeon, Jim dedicated his career to saving lives and mentoring others. Jim, a proud member of Phi Delta Theta, graduated with a B.A. from Washington University cum laude.  He graduated from Washington University Medical School, again with honors; he and Marilyn Franklin married two days before his graduation from Med School. After two years of post-doctoral work, he became Captain Murdock, USAF.  Two years stationed in Europe became a life-changing experience for both.

Returning to the U.Ss, they chose to finish training in the Pacific Northwest — God’s Country. Completing residency at Oregon, then settling into Eugene became the goal. His patients knew him not just or his surgical brilliance, but equally for his deep empathy, gentle manner, and genuine warmth. Jim, a pillar of the medical community, was widely recognized for his contributions to the field. 

His passion for harmony went beyond the operating room. Jim, a child prodigy growing up, was watched carefully by the artistic community of St. Louis. He was an accomplished classical pianist early in life, whose talent graced both local benefits and world-class stages, him having performed the 2nd Rachmaninoff Concerto with the St. Louis Symphony as a junior medical student. While living in France, Jim studied with Magda Taliaferro at the Paris Conservatoire. There were other U.S. performances, and then in Eugene, he reprised the Rachmaninoff with Eugene Symphony.  His love of music, and classical piano, served as a vehicle for the family’s philanthropy, but more importantly, was a constant in the household where three very musically talented daughters became his students until they left for University.

Jim was an accomplished and medaled athlete in track and field and swimming, where he garnered elite status in swimming and water polo. In Europe, the Murdocks took up skiing seriously.  Skiing and squash became his new sports, in which he again excelled. His natural athleticism and sportsmanship inspired competitors and friends alike. He approached athletics with the same passion and dedication that defined his professional life.

Above all his professional and personal accolades, Jim’s joy was in his family.  He was a deeply devoted husband to his wife, Marilyn. He was a loving father to Lynn, Elizabeth and Katie, and “Papa” to Zoë, Romy, Pia, Winnie and Hazel, all of whom survive him. Jim was a staunch and devoted Episcopalian, in which faith he never wavered. He was a loyal friend to countless individuals in France, Canada, and across this country. His infectious smile, generous spirit and unwavering kindness made everyone feel seen and valued, because they were. Jim is survived not only by family, but by colleagues, patients, and friends who will miss him dearly.  He is preceded in death by his parents and brother Bill.

A celebration of his extraordinary life will be held December 5, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 1300 Pearl Street, Eugene. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Jim’s honor to the Music Department of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, reflecting his lifelong passions for healing, music and the love they bring.