James Murphy Obituary

James G. Murphy

Jim Murphy was born in Seattle on August 23, 1929. He passed away peacefully with his family by his side on June 3, 2012. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Norma, his 4 children, Lorrie Schlanser, Tim (Laurie) Murphy, Julie (Bob) Rice, Jay Murphy, 6 grandchildren, Colin, Caitlin, Ted, Lauren, Megan and Connor, brother Patrick Murphy and many nieces, nephews, good friends and other relatives.

He first attended Maple Leaf Elementary where he met his future wife, Norma Palmer, then St. Catherine's primary school, O'Dea High School (Class of 1947), and the University of Washington Executive Development Course.

He was a long standing member of the Serra Club, the Knights of Columbus (Fourth Degree Knight) and Crosier Society. For over 30 years he was the principal auctioneer and lifetime member of the PONCHO organization. In addition to the PONCHO auction, Jim was responsible for starting many fund raising events, some as far away as Alaska and Hawaii. Jim spent many hours supporting programs for the homeless. He worked closely with Father Richard Stohr during the startup of the Lazarus Day Center. He was one of the founding members of the St. Martins Programs Advisory Board. He also served on the Catholic Community Service board and fund raising committee. Jim was a valued member of Holy Rosary Parish in Edmonds, serving on the School Board, Parish Council and Finance Commission.

He was president of the Washington Auctioneers Association, the National Auctioneers Association and the National Auctioneers Association Foundation. In 2000 he was inducted into the National Auctioneers Association Hall of Fame in Overland Park, Kansas. He served on the board of several financial institutions and was the founding member of the American National Bank in Edmonds (now US Bank). In 1970, Jim, with his wife Norma, founded the James G. Murphy Company, Auctioneers. In 1990 Jim turned the business over to his son, Tim and daughter, Julie. Jim, however, remained active in the business until he conducted his last auction on April 24, 2012.

Jim was raised in Seattle but moved to Edmonds in 1953 where he spent the rest of his life with his wife Norma. Jim was kind, thoughtful and generous. He was admired and respected by everyone he encountered. Even at the end of his life he was giving gifts to the hospital staff and writing thank you notes to his doctors.

The family would like to thank all the doctors, nurses and staff at Swedish Hospital in Edmonds. Especially, Dr. Yi and Dr. Timothy Roddy.

Rosary and Funeral Mass were held Friday, June 8th at Holy Rosary Church in Edmonds.

Remembrances may be made to Sno-King Serra or St. Martins Programs, PO Box 504, Edmonds, WA 98020.

Sign Jim's on-line Guest Book

at www.Legacy.com.

Hoffner Fisher & Harvey

Published by The Seattle Times from Jun. 6 to Jun. 10, 2012.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

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Memories and Condolences
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I loved James Murphy. Still do. Always will. He was smart, debonair, handsome, fun, had high standards, high expectations, and no one knew business better than he. I will always miss him. I treasured my friendship and working relationship with him. Always will. There was only one James G. Murphy and he was a connoisseur of life well lived.

Patti Payne

Friend

June 1, 2020

JIM SET A VERY HIGH BAR FOR US TO LIVE BY!

GENE & JUDY DANDLIKER

July 1, 2013

Norma and family. Robin just told me of the passing Jim. We are so sorry and had no idea. We would have loved to attend the Rosary and mass but we did not even hear about it until today. You and Jim were great friends of mom and dad and they both had wonderful things to say about you both. I still remember the first auction that I worked at. He was a wonderful, generous and happy man and will be missed.

August 16, 2012

My deepest condolences to the Murphy family and all their coworkers. The auctioneers auctioneer! One of the greats of the Pacific Northwest! He helped start our family business in 1977, then he helped close it in 2000.
Integrity, trust and honesty was what he was all about. His smile and that wee twinkle in his eye....will stay with me for a long time. God Bless.....

Daniel Mitchell

July 8, 2012

We are very sorry for your loss. We always enjoyed chatting with Jim prior to auctions. He was the epitome of a decent gentleman and an honest business person, qualities that are becoming rare these days. We will miss him.

Glenn & Candace Rosin

July 2, 2012

Sad to hear of your passing Jim Thank You so much for all those auctions you will be missed and seeing your Rav4 parked on the corner of the property on the main auctions. And to go way back when you started the business and I worked for the other James Murphy in Kenmore the Furniture guy. Gods Peace Jim.

Paul Stuhley

June 28, 2012

In my mind, Jim was the definition of gentleman in every way. Fair, friendly and always the consumate auctioneer, he made everyone feel welcome at the sales he conducted.

I'll miss seeing you at future JGM auctions but I will forever remember you. God bless you and your family.

Rick L

June 22, 2012

Very sorry for your loss. Jim was a very pleasant, polite and helpful person, he will be missed by all those the had the privilege to meet him.

Craig Mangeng

June 20, 2012

A great loss. Always a great fair and auction. Thank You, Thank You!

Tony and Jennifer Smith

June 19, 2012

sorry for your lose

Dean Donaldson

June 19, 2012

sorry about your loss.....

ron rennebohm

June 19, 2012

I have bought several cars from Mr. Murphy over the years and from the first to the last you have always ran a fair auction. You will be missed. My prayers are to the family that is left.

Ruth Peltola

June 19, 2012

Jim, you left behind a great legacy in your family, related and unrelated, in and out of the auction business.
"In Paradisum deducant te angeli."

Bill Jack

June 19, 2012

Tim,Julie & everybody at JGMurphy Co,
Your in our thoughts and prayers.
Randy,Teresa,Gunner & Blayz

Precision Dismantling

June 19, 2012

Sharp and witty, capable and insightful, truly a wise and dear man.

Visse Volker

June 18, 2012

Sorry for your loss.

Eric Duhamel

June 18, 2012

Will be missed.

James Karpiak

June 18, 2012

It was a pleasure to watch Mr. Murphy work over the years. What a great sense of humor! Obviously, he enjoyed his work, family and friends. He'll be missed by so many.

Tom Wood

June 18, 2012

I never meet a man with a kinder heart for strangers. He will be missed.

Casey McManus

June 18, 2012

I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Murphy's passing. He was a very kind man. His smile and humor will be missed.

David Allemeier

June 18, 2012

God Bless you James. You always ran the classiest auction in the industry. Our thoughts are with you and your family.

Dan Uchytil

June 18, 2012

...classy, gentleman, kind, always recognized regulars and infrequent, yes...and more. Peace Mr. Murphy...

Ernie Storrer

June 18, 2012

Mr. Murphy was a kind and generous man, and will be missed by his friends at Claire's.

cindy taron

June 18, 2012

James Murphy was an amazing man. I saw him many times running the auction. Truly a class act. He will be missed.

Marc Andersen

June 17, 2012

An honorable man and an honorable company went hand in hand for so many years. A true loss.

Sally Bailey

June 17, 2012

Happy Fathers Day Mr Murphy! I think of my Dad every day, and now I will think of you also. My Dad always said, YOU were the Best!! He was always right!! Mike E.

June 17, 2012

Jim instilled core values in his family and employees that will continue to show for generations. Its a great pleasure to work with honest and successful individuals. My thoughts go out to Tim, Julie and there families...

Ben Carlascio

June 16, 2012

A class act and class organization. Thank You for allowing me to participate. I know the clan will carry on this legacy.
Bill t

June 16, 2012

What moves through us is a silence, a quiet sadness, a longing for one more day, one more word, we may not understand why you left this earth so soon, or why you left before we were ready to say good-bye, but little by little, we begin to remember not just that you died, but that you lived. And that your life gave us memories too beautiful to forget .

Kevin K

June 16, 2012

Will miss your presence, an honest auctioneer professional. Condolences to the families.

Dan LaForce

June 16, 2012

We'll miss you, Jim. Thanks for all you have done to the community in WA.
our condlences to your family, and to your coworkes @ Murphy's auction.

John T

June 16, 2012

RIP, YOU WILL BE MISSED SIR.

ALEESEGED BENTI

June 15, 2012

I am very sorry to hear Jim's passing my condolence to all his family..RIP
Tsehay Bojia/ Tsehay wedding house / Tsehay collection

tsehay bojia

June 15, 2012

The class act of the profession.


jackson holland

June 15, 2012

Our hearts and Prayers are with you and with your family.

Asif Iqbal

June 15, 2012

I only knew Mr. Murphy from attending auctions in Kenmore and elsewhere around Puget Sound. He seemed to really enjoy his work and interacting with people, always with a gleam in his eye and a ready chuckle. I'm left with an impression of integrity and dignity when I think of him. I'm genuinely sorrow to hear of the passing of an old school gentleman, and my heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and coworkers. He will be missed.

Don Viehmann

June 15, 2012

We're very sorry to hear about Jim's passing. Our condolences to Tim and his family. God bless you.

Kuldip Lekhi

June 15, 2012

So sorry to lose this great man. Jim did so much for so many. God bless the whole murphy family. From all the DiJulios

June 15, 2012

We'll miss you, Jim. You've been a constant for many of us who've attended many of your auctions for years. Your smile is so infectious that I can't help but smile back at you. Your legacy will live through your loving family and friends. Our prayers are with you and your family.

Mimi Castillo

June 15, 2012

Sorry to hear of Mr. Murphy's passing. It has been a privilage to do business with an honorable man and his family. I will remember him and his family in my prayers.

Carl Olson

June 15, 2012

real nice person,he will be missed. Ed & Tony Mola.

June 15, 2012

It was an honor to know him. He has left a great impression on everyone he ever knew and set the standard for integrity. My condolences to the Murphy family.

John Courts

June 14, 2012

I am gone miss your smile , kindness and respect for me and my fellow Ethiopians.
You are a wonderful human being. Rest in Peace..
Girma A

girma a

June 13, 2012

He was a gracious man of integrity. Quick to offer a smile and his hand. I will miss him greatly. God be with the family.

Peter Chmielnik

June 13, 2012

Always a pleasure to see Jim's smiling face. He will be truly missed.

Kevin M

June 13, 2012

I love you Great-Uncle Jimmy. Rest In Peace.

Elizabeth Van Inwegen

June 13, 2012

I will truely miss your humor and welcome smile before and after every auction, i know you'll be with us through every bid.

Ronn Kess

June 13, 2012

My thoughts are with the family and employees, May God give You peace and comfort in the days ahead.

Mike Joy

June 13, 2012

Jim will be greatly missed. Auctioneer Brady Hammrich

Hammrich Brady

June 12, 2012

Tim, So sorry to hear about your dad passing. He was truly a remarkable man and will be missed.
Henry Schlyper
Roseburg Forest Products, Ret.

Henry Schlyper

June 12, 2012

In addition to being an honest businessman of great integrity, Jim was a generous member of the Greater Seattle community and Catholic community. God bless, Mr. Murphy. You earned your place in Heaven. Say hi to my father-in-law (and your fellow O'Dea classmate), Hal Sullivan.

Greg Forinash

June 12, 2012

For the last two decades I have been attending James G. Murphy auctions and I always looked forward to the lively action and the great sense of humor shared by all who worked in the company, and most particularly by Mr. James G. Murphy himself. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

Judy Neldam

June 12, 2012

Going...Going...Gone.

He always had a smile, and every time I think of him, I will smile as well.

Steve Alexander

June 12, 2012

Seeing Jim always brightened my day. He was a kind and caring. You could see and feel that thoughtfulness throughout his business. His absence makes my heart heavy, but he left a legacy that will last long into the future. Thank you Jim!

Thane Grooms

June 12, 2012

May the great businessman and auctioneer rest in peace and that the Lord bless him for his good deeds on earth.

Andrew Wilcox

June 11, 2012

Jim always had to talk with me, and I still relish the conversations. We covered allot of ground and jim was a good man and a friend to many.

clifford Trudeau

June 11, 2012

My deep condolences to the Murphy family. I knew Jim first by reputation and then through his work with the St Martin de Porres Shelter and later with the Serra Club. Jim had many natural talents and shared them generously with the community. He made those who knew him better because he was so humble and honest. We are blest to know him.

Miles Otoupal

June 11, 2012

I am saddened to hear of Jim's passing. With the thousands of people he had to encounter, He always remembered me even if we had not seen each other in a year. He was a great auctioneer and humanitarian. He is truly missed.

ronald baldwin

June 11, 2012

i hope he was a good father to his children. condolences to jims family i hope had a wonderful life and he had ray of sun.shine

holly krapsicher

June 11, 2012

We are saddened to hear of Jim's passing.Our prayers go out to the family. He will be missed.

AA Party Rentals

June 11, 2012

Condolences to Jim's family. I particularly enjoyed his quick humor and gentlemanly manor at auction.

Bob Huskey

June 11, 2012

In all of his success he was always very friendly and real. I have only been to a few Murphy auctions and I never saw him as anything other than someone that loved what he did. I am saddened for the loss but thankful for the experience of meeting him. He was a class act.

Mark

June 11, 2012

Gentle, loving, kind, compassionate and caring - these are the character attributes that described Jim Murphy in nine years I knew him. We will miss him, but know he is in Heaven and someday will see him again. Our love and sympathy to all of the Murphy family.
Gayle Cox, Cox Printing & Signs

Gayle Cox

June 11, 2012

Jim was a great friend. He performed the works of mercy..........fed the hungary,gave clothing to those who needed clothing,sheltered the homeless,visited those that were ill,and buried the dead. He will be missed.

Ron Hannon

June 11, 2012

JIM - SET A GREAT EXAMPLE FOR US TO LEARN FROM.

JUDY & GENE DANDLIKER

June 11, 2012

Tim, please let all of the family know how sorry we all are.
GOD BLESS YOU.
Tony & Harry Schafer.
S&S Truck.

Tony Schafer

June 11, 2012

Jim was always smiling and friendly.He was truly amazing. I had been absent for four or five years of attending auctions.
He noticed me in a crowd of at least 200 people. He waved me over, shook my hand and with his warm smile said "it's nice to see you again." A true gentlemen and I'll miss his presence.

Bill Coghill

June 11, 2012

I am so sorry for your loss! I somehow didn't hear the bad news or I would have been there Fri
God Bless
Bob Mader and all of us at Pro Truck

June 11, 2012

It is not too often that you sit in your pew at a funeral and feel proud that you were even invited to attend. I already knew what a great business and family man Jim was, but was very inspired to hear just how much he did for people in need. For a man who worked so hard for what he had, he didn't hesitate to put some of it back into the world around him.

Jim's work here is done, but the job of trying to follow his example is still going on. He was always very kind and respectful toward me and I will remember him with gratitude for that.

To Norma and the Murphy Family I only hope the sadness of mourning your loss will be short and the celebration of Jim's life will be long!

David Flajole

June 10, 2012

I'm sorry to hear he is gone. James was a true gentleman and greatly admired businessman. My deepest condolances for his family.

Ray Helgath

June 10, 2012

my condolences to the Murphy family. thank you for all of the good times at your auctions

ken byers

June 10, 2012

Our sincerest sympathy on Jim's passing. We admired him and enjoyed working with him on Serra Club and auction events! He will be greatly missed by all. He was a very kind and generous gentleman! Blessings to his family.

Jim and Joan Di Julio

June 10, 2012

I will miss Jim greatly. I wish the family comfort in these difficult times.

Jeff Pegrum

June 10, 2012

One of the signs of a very special person is the number of condolences to the family when that person has passed. My dealings with Jim were several years ago when I worked for GTE. I met many vendors in that job but none could compare to Jim. He was just what you saw and I always remembered how positive he was. I hope the family, especially Norma, can smile at some of these entries. We were blessed to have Jim in our lives.

Rosaleen Farmer

June 10, 2012

I am saddened to hear of Jim's passing. My prayers are for his family.
He set the standard for the auction business and always made those of us who attended feel welcome and appreciated. He will be missed.

Lanny Peterson

June 9, 2012

don price

June 9, 2012

Very sorry to hear of the passing of a very dear and longtime friend. We met too many years ago at St. Catherines and have drifted in and out of each others lives since. Jimmy was always a great friend and i will remember him fondly. My heart and prayers are with you Norma and family.
The Marzolf family.

ethel marzolf

June 9, 2012

Our deepest condolences to the Murphy Family. I am proud to say that I knew Jim Murphy and watched how he built his business in a very professional manner, thus setting the bar for other auctioneers.

Since I met Jim in 1966, I have always had the utmost respect for him, in his manner, dignity, and utmost professionalism.

Jim has had a great influence on many, many people and he will be truly missed.

Larry & Judi Mroczek

Larry Mroczek

June 9, 2012

His passing is like my brother has died. To the family, Keep your chin up.
Randall Carey

Randall Carey

June 9, 2012

My sympathy to the Murphy family. Jim was a fine man and I appreciated his support and encouragement during my years at the National Auctioneers Association. He truly has friends throughout the country.

--Joe Keefhaver, Louisburg, KS

June 9, 2012

William Follmar

June 8, 2012

Mr. Murphy was a gentleman in the truest sense of the term and an iconic figure in the Pacific Northwest. His name and his company became synonymous with excellence and honesty. My condolences to his family and employees. I couldn't agree more with those who have written that his finest qualities will be carried on by his family and friends.

Joe Gotchy

June 8, 2012

What a saint Jim was! I will miss him at morning Mass. I lighted his candles for him this morning. Thanks to others all the rest of the candles at St. Joseph's statue were lighted for the 8am Mass. He was our brother in Christ.

Maryanne Gipson

June 8, 2012

To the Murphy family. We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Jim was a wonderful man, we will miss him greatly. Our hearts go out to your family. We wish you peace during this difficult time.

Saeideh & Alvaro, Las Brisas

June 8, 2012

thanks to his vision of our economy he had helped so many peaple out of their financial prolems.
He always had a smile and time to talk to me when I was visiting your auctions.
I KNOW THAT HIS TRADITIONS AND VALUES WILL CONTINUE THROUGH HIS FAMILY AND IN HIS CHILDREN.

MR. AND MRS. FARMER

June 8, 2012

My condolences to the whole family, your father, grandfather, husban and freind. He was a very kind and understanding person, we will all miss him. May the good Lord give you peach during this time of loss.

Nicholas Delin

June 8, 2012

My condolences to Mrs. Murphy and family,
I will miss Jim Murphy, stopping in at every Kenmore Auction to make his presence. Jim would always make a point to come and say "Good morning"! He was such a nice man. God Bless to the whole Murphy Family.

Jackie Johnson

June 8, 2012

Jim, May you rest in peace.You are a great man will always be remenbered by so many of us who strive to live, as you lived. You have made my life so much richer just by being in it. I will miss our chats and tea. My prayers go out to the Murphy family.

Vaughan Pettersen

June 8, 2012

One of a kind. That was you, James G. Murphy. I know you will be looking down today at your service and approving of all the love and caring that will be expressed, down to the smallest details carried out by your wonderful family. You'll never leave us, not really. All that class. All that experience. And oh, that smile! And so, as we are about to bring down the gavel, I say " Going, going, but never gone!"
In love and admiration for you and whole Murphy clan,
Patti Payne

Patti Payne

June 8, 2012

To the Murphy family and friends,

I'm so very sorry for your/our loss, I can only imagine how you are all feeling right now,

I spent many hours last night trying to find the words to convey how special of a person Jim is, to be perfectly honest there are none that truly describe the greatness of Jim, those who knew him would understand what I'm saying.

I'm so thankful to had had such a great roll model.... Jim had such a positive influence on me.

I pray your sadness will soon be replaced with happy memories.

Here's a short Irish poem I would like to share.....

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.

If there's anything I can do for you guys please let me know,

Chris, Cristina, Kaitlin, Preson and Parker Dickinson

Chris Dickinson

June 8, 2012

James,
Today all of us that knew you will stop and collectively bow our heads an shed a tear , and reflect upon a favorite memory we have of you.May you rest in peace... Semper Fi ...Scott, Pam, Jacob, Keely Cummings

June 8, 2012

To the Murphy family - my deepest condolences at this time of loss. Jim was a wonder modest man who did more to teach and mentor, those who chose to be in the auction profession. His level of expectation helped to raise the bar farther than anyone else. For that I will be ever grateful. One of my favorite memories with Jim came several years ago at a convention - we were all flying back on the same flight, and Jim arranged for a limo ride to the airport, the best part came when we stopped by the McDonalds for a coke in the back of the limo. Precious and priceless memories. Jim will be missed but never forgotten. A giant amongst the industry.

Duane Love

June 8, 2012

We are sorry for the loss of your father, and our thoughts are with the entire Murphy family.
-Tom Little & Springbrook Nursery

June 8, 2012

I am sorry to hear about Jim's passing. May the Lord bless and comfort the Murphy family during this time of loss. Jim was always so friendly and willing to chat at the auctions. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Jeff Davies

June 8, 2012

Sorry for your loss, words can not heal,but time will ease the pain. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Phil Johnson

June 8, 2012

Our condolences to the entire Murphy family. Jim was a great friend for many years and we all enjoyed working with him and being a part of his life. Jim, Diana, Traci and Jimbo Hajek.

June 8, 2012

Sorry to hear of Jims passing. I will remember His quick wit, honesty, integrity and his ability to command respect. This has served him well through out the years as an auctioneer and auction industry leader. He truly will be missed by all. My thoughts and prayers to Norma and the Murphy family

RL Heaverlo

June 8, 2012

Grandpa,
You were, and will continue to be, one of the most important influences in my life. You have taught me hard work, discipline, respect, compassion, and most importantly, love. I'll think of you everyday, and remember all the amazing moments we had together. Most of our memorable times together were alone, which made them more special. We had a spectacular relationship, and I'll carry it in my heart always. Love, your granddaughter.

Megan Murphy

June 7, 2012

We've known Jim Murphy since '72 and considered him a friend as well as our favorite auctioneer. We will miss his smile and that twinkle in his eye. Our sympathy to Tim, the family and the auction crew. Jim will be sorely missed.

Bob & Pat Robey

June 7, 2012

RIP BOSS!!! You always laughed when I called you Mr. Boss and said you were not the boss anymore... I Miss You Very Much- Thanks For Being Such a GREAT example...

Jeni Scheid

June 7, 2012

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