James E. Murphy

James E. Murphy of West Chester James E. Murphy, 91, of West Chester, died Thursday, July 18, 2013, at Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. He was predeceased by his first wife Josephine E. Murphy, his second wife Nancy Yohn Murphy and his sister, Betty Ercole. Born in Amenia, N.Y., he was the son of the late James Murphy and the late Ethel O'Dell Murphy. Jim was a proud member of the United States Army who served in WWII, obtaining the rank of Corporal. He was also an American Ex-Prisoner of War. This month on the eve of Independence Day, U.S. Congressman Chris Gibson bestowed Jim with the following honors: the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 3 bronze stars, WWII Victory Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, first award and Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII. Living in West Chester since 1947, "Big Jim" was a butcher and assistant manager for the Super Fresh Store of Downingtown for 39 years, and retired in 1983. Jim was a member of the Messiah Lutheran Church of Downingtown. Other memberships include, VFW Post #106 for 48 years, VFW Military Order of Cooties and the American Legion Post #134 for 62 years, life membership to the DAV and the Chaplain of 4 Chaplains. He is survived by his daughter, Barbara Anne and husband Dan Payne of West Chester; loving niece, Patricia Monti and husband Vinnie of Marlboro, N.Y.; nephews, John Ercole and wife Diane of Wingdale, N.Y., Robert Ercole and wife Yvonne of Hopewell Junction, N.Y.; step-son, Robert Thompson and wife Brenda of Tampa, Fla.; sister, Joan French and husband Harold of Spanish Lakes, Fla.; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren and many great-nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on Monday, July 22, 2013 and from 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 23, 2013, followed by a Funeral Service at 10 a.m. at DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc., 410 North Church Street, West Chester, www.DellaFH.com (610-696-1181). Interment will follow at Grove Methodist Cemetery, West Chester. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Messiah Lutheran Church, 46 W. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown, PA 19355 (#610-269-9550).