James Dean Murphy

1934 - 2021

James Dean Murphy of White Horse Village passed away on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at the age of 86, surrounded by his loving wife, Janet Hunsberger Murphy, and family. Jim was born on August 9, 1934 in Kennett Square, PA to Elmer and Esther Pomraning Murphy. He attended Kennett High School, where he captained the soccer and basketball teams, and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Jim graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Lafayette College, Class of 1956. He was Captain of the Lafayette soccer team and a member of the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity. Jim and his beloved wife, Janet, were married on October 27, 1956. Jim dedicated his entire career to Scott Paper Company. After retirement, he worked as a lay assistant to the Bishop of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod of the Lutheran church. He was an active member of Calvary Lutheran Church in West Chester, PA and was an avid sports fan who loved watching any sport until his final days. He was the proud and very vocal father and grandfather on the sidelines of many sporting events. Jim is survived by his wife, Janet, and children Drew Murphy (Maria) of Mechanicsburg, PA; Jennifer (Marcel) of Hershey, PA; and Cara (Matt) of Castle Rock, CO; and his grandchildren Emily, Ethan, Eric, Julia, Gabriela, Ellie and Derek. He is also survived by sister-in-law Janet F. Murphy of Castle Rock, CO and Tom (Kathy), Steve (Jill) and Nancy (Dan) Murphy and their children and grandchildren. Jim was predeceased by his older brother Richard (Dick). The family will hold a private memorial service. Live streaming of his service will be on Tuesday June 8, 2021 at 11am and can be viewed by visiting his obituary at www.DellaFH.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Calvary Lutheran Church, 730 S. New Street, West Chester, PA 19382. Arrangements by DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. 610-696-1181