Donald James Murphy Jr.

Donald "Don" James Murphy Jr., of Lake Forest, IL, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on May 8, 2024, at the age of 81.

Don was born on August 15, 1942, in Oak Park, IL, to Donald James Murphy Sr. and Aletta Murphy (née Green) of Chicago, IL. He graduated from Fenwick High School in 1960, and went on to graduate from Northwestern University in 1965, where he was an Evans Scholar and member of the football team. Don later earned his MBA in the Executive Program at Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management in 1995.

Don spent the early days of his professional life in sales at Inland Steel Company and Pennzoil, while also serving 6 years in the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. In 1977, Don began his decades-long career at the Chicago Board of Trade where he owned a seat trading Treasury bonds through his brokerage company, Murcom Financial, Ltd.

Don adored his family: his wife, Vicki; his daughters, Amanda and Kendall; and his granddaughters, Hadley and Caroline, who he loved wholeheartedly and encouraged in every activity and pursuit. In his personal character and intellect, Don was their inspiration.

Don's smile, clever sense of humor, and enormous heart were cherished by his family and dear friends. A man of infinite curiosity and style, Don was a life-long learner, a classical music aficionado, and forever in search of the "perfect suede jacket."

Don was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Vicki (née Humberstone); cherished daughters, Amanda (Tim) Starkey and Kendall (Ryan) Severson; dearest granddaughters, Hadley Starkey and Caroline Severson; darling sister, Doreen Lucht (née Murphy); and seven beloved nieces and nephews.

A memorial service with reception to follow will be held on Friday, June 21, 2024, at 2:00pm at First Presbyterian Church of Lake Forest, 700 N Sheridan Rd, Lake Forest, IL 60045. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Evans Scholars Foundation, www.wgaesf.org.