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Thomas James "Tom" Murphy

Thomas Murphy Obituary

Thomas J. "Tom" Murphy Thomas James "Tom" Murphy, age 60, of Fruitland, passed away Monday, July 6, 2009 at his home. A visitation for family and friends will be from 5-8 p.m., Wednesday, July 8, 2009 at Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, Fruitland. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, July 9, 2009 at the Assembly of God Church, New Plymouth. With God's guidance and promises, Tom's life was filled with adventures, friends, and family. Tom was raised in Gooding, Idaho by his parents Vernon W. and Marjorie J. (Warrington) Murphy. With his younger sisters, Gale (Bob) Bosserman and Linda (Jerry) Johnson, they enjoyed life, horses, bicycles, swimming, close connections to grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins. In high school, Tom met the love of his life, Irene Bush. They married in Gooding on July 9, 1967. They have two daughters, Trina Roley and Shanna (Paul) Johnson. They graduated from the College of Southern Idaho, Tom receiving his A.S. in Automotive Technology. They moved to Boise, Idaho in 1970. Tom worked at Larry Barnes Chevrolet. During this time, he became involved in racing go-karts. In Dec. of 1971, he raced at the National Go-Kart races in California and finished third in his class. In 1972, he became interested in kayaking. This began his lifelong love of running the rivers and the close friendships that developed have only become closer with time. In Aug. of 1974, with two friends, The North Fork of the Payette River just above Banks was conquered. They run most of the Idaho Rivers, some for the first time any kayaker had ran them. In 1981, the family moved to the farthest northern point on the continent, Barrow, Alaska. Tom worked as a mechanic and for the North Slope Borough on the utilidor project. Then he began his teaching career. He was a natural teacher in the wood shop, auto shop, welding and mechanic shop for 13 years. He was his son-in-law's student teacher and then retired when his son-in-law wanted his job! When he returned to Idaho, he continued his passion of teaching with the Nampa School District. Tom looked forward to being with Jesus in Heaven. The family wants to express their gratitude to all the doctors and nurses that made it able for him to continue to live his life while in treatment. He leaves behind his wife, two daughters and one son-in-law, three grandchildren, Jenna (Stephen) Sessums, Shevie Johnson and Jessica Roley, and many nieces and nephews. He will continue to influence many lives through the many people he has touched. He requested in lieu of flowers that a contribution be made to MSTI Cancer Nursing Dept. or a charity of your choice, c/o Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, P.O. Box 730, Payette, ID 83661.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Idaho Statesman on Jul. 8, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Murphy

Sponsored by anonymous.

23 Entries

Your family loving life and treasuring our time together.

Shevie Lewis

July 3, 2019

Trina

April 18, 2014

Wishing you were here. I miss your hugs, you laugh, your teasing, and smile. I saw someone playing the slapping game yesterday and it made me remember the times my hands would get so red and tender, but I was unwilling to stop until I won. Thanks for the memories dad. Love you

Shev

March 17, 2012

I love you Grandpa.

Shevie L. Johnson

March 17, 2012

Everytime something big in my life happens my mind always goes back to you. Your picture will forever be in my wallet grounding me when I need it most. I miss you so much, and there are days where I want to scream because you never get to see any of my accomplishments. You always told me you knew I'd go places and do amazing things, it's not fair that I can't come to fruitland anymore and share these things with you. I Love you Grandpa.

Irene

July 1, 2010

I miss you so much.

Jacob Fletcher

April 22, 2010

Tom was a wonderful teacher and role model. He taught me so much about mechanics in high school, and is the one who turned me on to the College of Southern Idaho where i got my degree in Automotive technology like him. Tom has the only teacher that i kept in touch with after high school. I used to stop in at the school to see him and keep him updated on how i was doing in college and work. He always seemed excited to see me and glad to hear how i was doing. I really wish i had kept in touch with him after i joined the military. I was so sad to find out he was sick. I sent him a letter shortly before he passed but i don't know if the address i had was correct. I just wanted him to know how much he influenced my life and how much i appreciate him and that he was the best teacher i ever had. I know he is in heaven which he very much deserves. Thank you, Mr. Murphy, for being such an awesome person. i Wont forget you. And to his wife and family, I hope you are all doing well. You are blessed for being a part of his life.

Jacob T. Fletcher, USAF

11-2-2008 Still had a smile.

Linda Johnson

April 12, 2010

Dear Brother, Even though we lived in different states I always knew you and Irene were a call away. We should have spent more of our adult lives together. Man, I miss your stories and infectious laugh. Praise the Lord I got your sense of humor. Thank you for being the most awesome brother I could have ever asked for. For helping me through those very tough adolescent years. I miss you terribly. When I get to heaven I'll catch up on hugging you. I love you, Little Sister, Linda Faye

Your First Born Trina Roley

April 10, 2010

How do you sum up an amazing man in just a few words? Tom (Dad) was spiritual, loving, caring, strong, commical, faithful, passionate, intelligent, patient, charismatic, and amazingly unforgetable. He lives on in each one of us as long as we carry him with us and will ensure that we laugh along the way with his wit that he left stored in our memories. I love you dad and am so thankful for the time you shared with me here on Earth. Continue to watch over us and help us find that laugh as needed to get through the day.

unknown

October 4, 2009

Over 200 people went to his funeral.
from the Bosie state directer, to his students from many years of teaching and influencing young minds that you can do anything if you just try. He was a Cherished man to all, and gave hope and a smile even as he fought cancer for 2 years. I have never met a happier man then Thomas Murphy. and I pray that in death he is looking upon his widow and children. guiding us and protecting us for as long as we all shall live. In the stars we will be together again. In the Heavens we shall sing and on Earth time is the only thing standing between us and our beloved Father, Grandfather, Uncle, Teacher, Hero and Friend.

Dedicated to Thomas Murphy and family.
Condolences to you all.

Anna Swisher dela Rosa

September 7, 2009

Mr. Murphy helped reinforce my dad's ideal that it's ok for a girl to get greasy and to pound a hammer. He taught me how to take apart a lawn mower engine and put it back together. Although I don't use the skill, I do understand more about my vehicle issues than I ever would had he not taught me this. Maybe even more importantly, my friend (also in the class) struggled and struggled with getting her engine back together. He never gave up on her, and kept encouraging her time and time again. Many times when I am faced with something I don't think I can do, I think of how much he encouraged us, and how he didn't give up on us.

It was inspiring to learn under Tom Murphy. It was just as inspiring to teach with and learn from his daughter, Shanna. Mr. Murphy is greatly missed. Prayers and much love to his family.

Jenna Sessums

September 5, 2009

I'm Thomas Murphy's older granddaughter lol but not my much. Tom was not only my grandpa but my mentor and my best friend. He taught me everything i ever needed to know in life "attitdue is everything". My grandpa was along side with my grandma the 'wind beneth my wings' and I will forever be greatful for the inspiration he planted in my heart and made grow. He made two out of three huge life events for me and I truely wish he could've physically been here for when my son is born. I can still hear his laugh and I hope to god i will never forget it. Thanks for everything grandpa I LOVE YOU!

September 1, 2009

I am Jenna and Jessica's dad, (wayne) I have known Tom Since 1987! What an Excellent man and a great example to me. I only hope that I can be half the man Tom Murphy is!! I will always love and cherish the short time i had with him.

Veronica Neakok

August 31, 2009

Our deepest condolences to the Murphy Family. I did not have the priveledge to have Mr. Murphy as a teacher, but I did have Mrs. Murphy. Much love to Irene, Trina, and Shanna. Also much love to the grandchildren; esp. Shevie, whom I still tell her "You sure look like your mom!". God blessings to you all.

Robert Lewis

August 11, 2009

I only new Tom for a short time. However I have known his Granddaughter Shevie and her parents for quite some time now. When Shevie first told me about her grandfather her eyes would light up with every tale, and the edges of her lips would perk with a tiny smile, yet her eyes were always a little sad. She really loved her Grandpa a lot. In May of this year she went to visit him while his health was fading. I had told her that at any point if she needed me I would be on the next plane out. This is when I met Tom and Irene. The happiest two people in the world. And I would have expected no less. In the short time that I knew Tom he not only shed some light on what my future endeavors would be like with this family I had grown so close to. But what my own life would be like. In the little time that I knew Tom he taught me lessons on par with that of my own Grandparents. He will be missed dearly by everyone who's lives he's touched. I hope that the smiles I brought to his face were fueled even more by the smiles I gave in return. And yes Tom, it's ok to be impressed that I unscrewed that PVC pipe with my hand, I know, I didn't see it coming either. Rest In Peace.

~Shevie Johnson

August 10, 2009

Tom was my Grandpa, but even more then that, he was my Hero, and i shall miss him greatly... the only thing that holds my together, was him telling us before he passed that he would be watching us from the milkyway. so i keep smiling for him to see
I Love you Grandpa

June Whipple

July 9, 2009

Thoughts and prayers are with Tom and his family. He touched our family with many opportunities, friendship, support and always with Tom's style of laughter and humor. Tom's smile will always be in a special place of our hearts.

June Whipple

July 9, 2009

My thoughts and prayers and with Tom and his family. He touched my family with many opportunities, friendship and laugher. His smile will always be in our memories. He was a one of a kind soul and is remembered with kindness and love.

Gary Boen and Aimee Romeijn-Boen

July 9, 2009

To the family of Tom Murphy,
Just wanted to express our deepest sympathy for your loss. Upon reading the obituary, I can tell he was an amazing person. I never had the opportunity to meet him but I can imagine you have countless positive memories of him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
With much sympathy,

Dustin Winters

July 9, 2009

Tom was an awesome teacher, and he helped me all throughout high school, giving me knowledge about life, cars, and the complicated yet caring female mind. It was almost uncommon at some points to not see his dog sleeping in his little car or under his desk, and she was almost like the mascot for the entire automotive academy! Mr. Murphy will forever be in the hearts of his students, and will be forever missed!

Dustin Winters

July 9, 2009

Scott Crawford

July 8, 2009

Mr. Murphy was wonderful teacher. He started me off to a great start in the Nampa school district auto program. He has continued to influence me as I near the end of my Associates of Applied Science degree in Diesel Technology at ISU. My thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Murphy's family and to the loss that will be felt by the entire community. Mr. Murphy was a wonderful man who will be missed.

Deb Christian

July 8, 2009

We are so sorry for your loss - all of our loss. Tom was a wonderful, kind, loving man who always had a smile on his face. He loved life & his family & friends & his dog. He will truly be missed!

Christi Dick

July 8, 2009

Uncle Tom and Aunt Irene were great role models in my life. They taught me how important family is, to have fun, work hard, and how to eat well! Over the past year, Tom has taught me how important it is to have a close relationship with Jesus Christ. One of my favorite memories of him was last week when I came to visit him. He told me many things that will stay with me forever and shared lots of memories that I was glad to be a part of. One thing that he told me that I would like to share is that, "All you need is love in your heart and faith in Jesus Christ!" Tom was a great man and lived his life to the fullest. He loved everyone and I am so greatful that he was my Uncle and I was able to spend a lot of time with him and Irene growing up.

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