James Alexander Murdock, 87,

James Alexander Murdock, 87, of Polson, passed away on Monday, March 8, 2010, of natural causes at St. Luke Community Hospital in Ronan. Jim was born to William and Maggie Russell Murdock on July 12, 1922, and was raised in Whitefish, graduating from Whitefish High School in 1940. Jim married Miriam L. Allred on May 21, 1955, and in 1960 they moved to Great Falls, where Jim worked as a mechanic on road construction until 1967, when the company went out of business. In 1968, he later went to work for the Great Northern Railroad, and retired in 1988. Shortly after his retirement, he and Miriam moved to Polson, where they farmed and raised horses. Jim lost Miriam, his wife of 51 years, early in 2006. In addition to his parents and wife, Jim was preceded in death by a brother; three sisters; one son, Russell; a granddaughter, Felecia; and a grandson, Terry. He is survived by his children, Ivan Murdock of Kalispell, Katherine and John Chaney of Portland, and David and Lois Murdock of Kalispell; a sister, Izabelle, and Smokey, Metcalf; seven grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. At Jim s request, there will be no public funeral services. The family is planning a private memorial service at a later date. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson, is honored to assist Mr. Murdock s family.