James Joseph Murphy

James Joseph Murphy (Jim) was born on April 24, 1928 in Springfield, MA. He passed peacefully in his home in Napa on December 23, 2012 surrounded by four generations of loving family members. Jim received a Catholic School education at Sacred Heart and Cathedral High School in Springfield and later attended American International College. He enlisted in the US Army where he served as a fireman and then an engineer and was a World War II veteran. He had a long career with the US Government which started at the Springfield Armory, Rock Island Arsenal, and finally Mare Island Shipyard where he retired as Assistant Director of the Safety Office. He received many awards and tributes throughout his career. James and Joan Marie Buckley were married June 30, 1951. They had a large family of eight children which has grown to include 22 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Family outings often included all four generations, all of whom have fond stories to tell of their Dad, Papa or Great Grandpa. The Murphy children include Terry Longoria (Marc) of Napa, Lawrence Murphy of Hollister, Ann Hitchcock (Stan) of Napa, Francis Murphy (Bonnie) of Penn Valley, John Murphy (Esther) of Suisun, and Bryan Murphy (Hilda) of Roseville. Their twin sons James and Bill Murphy passed before their father, a source of great sorrow to the family. Jim’s parents were Bridgette Moriarty and James Murphy Sr. who were immigrants from Dingle, County Kerry Ireland. Jim was proud of his Irish heritage and could break into a brogue at the least encouragement. A highlight of his life was a trip to Ireland that he took with Joan and his brother Bill Murphy (of Wilbraham MA) and sister in-law Phyllis to the homeland of their parents. Jim enjoyed all things Irish and to his family, he was the personification of an Irish blessing with all its joy and turmoil. James was a very strong and proud family man. He delighted in the successes of his children and grandchildren, especially as it related to their education, jobs or sports achievements. The greatest joy of getting a good report card, a sports medal, a new job, or a new car was showing it off to dad/grandpa who beamed with pride. (And of course there was the other side to this story if the news was bad…) Jim had a great fondness of cars. He taught his children the value of a clean well run auto. His sons commented that they can always hear their father’s voice when they work on their vehicles. They have many great stories of their adventures learning to do it right (i.e. Dad’s way). Jim was also a masterful chess player and taught all of his children and several of his grandchildren to play. In his younger years, he enjoyed a good game of golf. When a stroke took a major toll on his mobility he continued his love of the game vicariously through the golf channel. Jim was a great story teller. His children loved to hear tales of his childhood or his version of any situation. Jim was a certifiable chocoholic, often starting his day with a chocolate donut and ending it with chocolate ice cream. He enjoyed a good time, a great laugh, an occasional beer and he loved to dance. He met his wife at the fireman’s ball, taught his daughter Ann to dance for her wedding and his last ability to dance was at the wedding of his granddaughter Kimberly. Jim also enjoyed getting a good bargain and was fond of his Friday visits to Costco with Terry, and loved shopping all the sales. He was a great negotiator and loved to tell the tale of any good deal he could make, or of the successful negotiation by a family member. Jim had been ill for many years with a variety of different ailments, each limiting his mobility further. His wife of 61 years, Joan, (dubbed St Joan by all the family members) was his constant companion and support. Joan said that she and Jim were also blessed by the loving help that she received from all of her children and grandchildren. The family is also grateful for the support that they received in his final months from Senior Helpers, especially by Elizabeth Diaz the primary care giver. Ultimately they were able to receive Hospice Assistance that allowed Jim to pass calmly and peacefully at home in the comfort of his own bed surrounded by all four generations of his loving family. James was an active member of St Johns Catholic Church in Napa. The family invites friends and loved ones to share stories and prayers at the Rosary Service on Wednesday, December 26, 2012 at 7pm at Claffey and Rota Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will be at St John’s Catholic Church on Thursday December 27, 2012 at 10am celebrated by Rev Gordon Kalil with a reception to follow at a location to be announced. The family suggests donations to St Vincent DePaul of St John’s Parish, the St John’s Napa Valley Youth Center, or the Boys and Girls Club of the Napa Valley.

James Joseph Murphy

April 24, 1928 - December 23, 2012

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James Joseph Murphy

April 24, 1928 - December 23, 2012

Obituary Notification

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