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BORN
1936
DIED
2020
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James Murphy Obituary
James Michael Murphy, 83, of Genoa, IL. died Tuesday, January 14, 2020 in Rockford, IL.
He was born to George and Margaret (Gilooley) Murphy at Cook County Hospital in Chicago on September 27, 1936. He was married to Carole Anne Dorries in 1964 and they were happily married for over 55 years. He was the oldest of five siblings - Joanne Trawinski, Jane VanReck, Larry (Clare) Murphy, and Patrick (Pati) Murphy.
He is also survived by his children Michael Murphy, Timothy (Jill) Murphy, and Terrence (Mary) Murphy. His was also the loving grandfather of 9 grandchildren: Andrew Murphy, Lauren E. Murphy, Lauren A. Murphy, Gwen Murphy, Kaleb Murphy, James Murphy, John Gariepy, Cassidy Murphy, and Quincy Murphy.
James attended Quigley Seminary High School and Saint Procopius in Chicago. He attended Illinois Benedictine College before enlisting the US Army in 1959. He attended basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO and attended Airborne School before becoming an MP at Fort Campbell, KY. Upon leaving the military James joined the Illinois State Police in 1963 and reported to District 3 (Chicago) upon his graduation from the Academy. Over the span of 34 years, James rose through the ranks to Lieutenant Colonel with his retirement in 1996. James was promoted through various position in the Personnel Bureau in Springfield before eventually becoming the Captain of District 2 in Elgin in 1976. He then became Major in Area 1, 2, and 4 before completed his career at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Post retirement James worked briefly in the private security industry at the FAA facility in Elgin and enjoyed spending time at the Blackhawk Model Train Club in Oregon, Illinois.
His visitation will be on Sunday, Jan. 19th from 3:00-7:00 PM at the Slater-Butala Funeral Home, 132 W. Main St., Genoa, IL. and also on Monday from 9:30 AM until 10:30 AM at the St. Catherine of Genoa Church.
A funeral mass will be on Monday, Jan. 20th at 10:30 AM at the St. Catherine of Genoa Church, 340 S. Stott St., Genoa, IL. with Fr. Francis Wawryszuk officiating. A luncheon will follow the mass at the Church. Burial will take place after the reception at the Maple Cemetery in Kirkland, IL.
Donations and memorials can be made to the Illinois State Police Heritage Memorial Park. isphf.org/donations/
To sign the online guest book or share a special memory, go to www.ButalaFuneralHomes.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Murphy
Sponsored by Slater-Butala Funeral Home - Genoa.
Samuel Wilson
February 1, 2020
Rest on, Faithful Servant of your community. Thank You. Thanks to your Family as well. When you went out there.... so did they. RESPECT!!!
Jimmie Ann Smith
January 20, 2020
I'm so sorry for your heartbreak. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you and your families.
Tom Hunter
January 20, 2020
Jim Murphy, you will be missed by one and al! Not knowing Jim well, other than our association at Kishwaukee Cardio Rahab, Jim was always good company.
Especially the stories he told of his days with the Illinois State Police!!!
Rest In Peace!!!
Tim Hunter
Stephanie Hoffman
January 20, 2020
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
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Randy & Ann Liepitz
January 18, 2020
To Margaret and the entire Murphy family - We are truly saddened at hearing the news of the passing of a husband, father, grandfather, husband and uncle. May James rest in peace now that he is in the arms of our Lord.
Kimberly Davis
January 18, 2020
My thoughts and prayers are with Jim's family. I enjoyed working with him when he visited ISP District 16 . He always had a smile and a good laugh. Such a personable good natured guy! May he rest in peace... he's watching over us from above.
Marvin
January 17, 2020
Carole and family. The news of Jim's passing was a great shock. You have lost a wonderful man. I served under an number of District Commanders during my tenure with the State Police. He was by far the best that I served under. You all have my heart felt condolences.
Paul Brown
January 17, 2020
Major Murphy was my area commander for five years when I served as District 16 Commander. He always was well respected and always had the best interests of the Illinois State Police at heart. He was truly one of the good guys.
Neal & Maureen Roach
January 17, 2020
Carole, Mike, Tim, and Terry,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Jim was a great police officer, father, and a super friend. Many fond memories at the Murphy residence.
TOM ENGER
January 17, 2020
Dear Carole , Mike, Tim, And Terry, So sorry to hear of the passing of a truly GREAT man. He was my first Captain at D-2 and then I was an Area 1 staff officer for him during the Chicago Expressway project. He taught me many things about life and had a fantastic mind. He could analyze situations and problems like no other. It was my honor to have worked closely with him and the Illinois State Police has lost one of its finest!
Patrick Mcgovern
January 17, 2020
Was my Area Commander D-4,D-15,Professional and well respected.Loved the Illinois State Police and made sure we were advancing in technology in a time of rapid change.
Sandy Musch (Bland)
January 16, 2020
Dear Carole, Mike, Tim, and Terry,
I am so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. We had some great times watching Terry and Brad play all their sports at Hiawatha together. The Murphy's and Bland's were certainly the most energetic from the cheering section! May you feel God's arms holding you during this most difficult time and may beautiful memories bring you comfort and peace. Warmly, Sandy Musch (Bland)
Jane Vanreck
January 16, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
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