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James Murphy Obituary
December 6, 1929 - February 19, 2019
Resident of Los Gatos
James Patrick Murphy passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, February 19 after a long battle with Alzheimer's. Known to those who loved him as Jim, he was a gentleman who loved fiercely and always put others before himself.
Jim was born in Niagara Falls, New York, where his bride-to-be, Martha Dean, first caught his eye at a high school dance. A phenom on the football field, Jim played fullback and defensive end on scholarships at two colleges before enlisting in the Navy. He reached the title of Ensign during the Korean War, and then returned to his schooling at the University of Wisconsin. Unable to get that one-in-a-million girl from Niagara Falls off his mind, he proposed to Martha when he was home on Christmas break, and the two married in the summer of 1955. Jim and Martha enjoyed 63 years of loving marriage, during which time they had five children (Colleen, Patricia, Susan, Marilyn, and Jim Jr.), ten grandchildren (Kenton, Robyn, Ashlyn, Amanda, Justin, Rachael, James, Kate, Madeline, and James III) and two great-grandchildren (Lyra and Dakota). Throughout his life, Jim was a constant presence at baseball games and dance recitals, playing the role of cheerleader, chauffeur, and sideline photographer. This was all despite his busy schedule as a brilliant engineer, on the cutting-edge of engineering advances in the 1950's, 60's, 70's, and 80's at Cornell Labs, Teledyne, and Kaiser Electronics. As both a lead engineer and Vice President, Jim was everyone's favorite boss, never taking himself too seriously and happily the target of office pranks. Jim's work moved the family from Buffalo, New York to Woodland Hills, California, and finally to Los Gatos, California, where he resided for over 30 years.
Jim is survived by his sweetheart, Martha, and his children, Kelly Levin (Jon), Patty Buller (Marc), and Jim Murphy Jr. (Jeanne). He is now rejoicing in heaven along with two of his daughters, Jeannie and Susan, and his grandson, Kenton. Friends and family are invited to celebrate Jim's life on Friday, March 1 at 10am at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 219 Bean Ave, Los Gatos, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations to an Alzheimer's foundation be made in Jim's name.
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Memories and Condolences
for James Murphy
Sponsored by San Jose Mercury News.
Hansen
February 28, 2019
Our condolences to the Murphy family. Jim was one of the finest gentleman we were privileged to know. May he rest in peace. - Bruce and Teri Hansen
February 26, 2019
Very sorry for the lost of your loved one May God the hearer of prayers comfort you during this difficult time and give you strength. 2 cor. 1:4
N
February 26, 2019
My thoughts are with the family during this difficult time.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to pray constantly. We realize that God is always there in the good time and he still there in the difficult time.
February 26, 2019
My condolences goes out to the family during this difficult time. May you find a measure of comfort found in God's promise at John 6:40 which says that soon we will all see our loved ones again
February 26, 2019
I am so sorry for your loss. May the God of comfort sustain you and your family during this difficult time. My sincere condolences.
Terry
February 26, 2019
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
February 26, 2019
Thoughts of sympathy and peace.
Numbers 6:24-26
February 26, 2019
Sorry for the loss of your love one. John 3:16
Earnie Ray
February 26, 2019
My condolences to the family . May you find comfort in your treasured memories and Gods promise to return your loved ones who passed away in death . 1 Thessalonians 4 : 13 , 14
RK
February 26, 2019
Please accept my dearest and heartfelt sympathy; I am so sorry for your loss. May the God who "binds up the brokenhearted" and "comforts all who mourn" sustain your family during this difficult time. Isaiah 61:1,2
February 26, 2019
May your hearts be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times spent with James, as you remember a life well lived. My sincere condolences to his family. 1 Thessalonians 4:14.
~AW
February 26, 2019
My sincere condolences to the family during your grieving moments. May God loyal love comfort you during these difficult times. Psalms 119 : 76.
MURRAY
February 26, 2019
Condolences to the family, may the words at John 6:40 bring comfort during this difficult time
February 26, 2019
My condolences to the family. John 14:1
February 26, 2019
I'm so sorry for your loss. May prayer comfort you in this time of grief. 1 Thessalonians 5: 17 "pray constantly"
M C
February 26, 2019
Please accept my sincere condolences.You are not alone during this time of sorrow and pain. May God give your family strength and comfort to help you endure this loss. As you remember your beloved one, the God of peace give you comfort and peace in every way. May you find Strength from the love and care that surrounds you and comfort in the memories that you share. 2 Thessalonians 3:16 .
February 26, 2019
My deepest sympathy for your loss. May the God of comfort give you strength and the memories bring you peace. Hosea 13:14
February 26, 2019
When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. May the wonderful treasures fill your hearts with love and bring you peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Hosea 13:14 *
Darling-Fischer Chapel of the Hills
February 28, 2019
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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