John W. Murphy

John William Murphy passed away peacefully on the morning of November 6, 2022 at the age of 74. He waged a brave battle with vascular dementia over the past year, fighting with courage and determination until the morning of his Irish exit from this world to the next.

He was born on October 19, 1948, to Jim and Annie Murphy in Seattle, WA. He graduated from Franklin High School in 1967, where he earned a reputation for his flawless form in his record making high jump, earning a nickname as Franklin's Mighty Mite, the Human Grasshopper from Seward Park. A part of his best friend's home in Seward Park also told that story, displaying a footprint of John's on its ceiling.

After high school, he earned a Political Science degree from Washington State University, continuing on to receive his Juris Doctorate from Gonzaga University School of Law, passing the State Bar exam in 1975.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Susan Murphy in Mount Vernon, WA, children: daughters, Molly Murphy, Katie (Tony) Seaward, son: Ryan Murphy, and grandchildren: Addie and Bryce, his brothers: Jim Murphy, Michael Murphy, and Patrick Murphy. Lastly, his ever-trusty companion and lab, Lady Black Dog.

He was preceded in death by John and Susan's son, Baby Boy Murphy, and his parents, Jim and Annie Murphy.

John believed that helping others is the rent we pay for our time here on earth. He felt that "Every day, my life as a lawyer offers me the opportunity to make a contribution to some person or some ideal. Often, the person I am attempting to help is unable to help himself; the ideal is often one that would otherwise be disregarded." These were not empty words, as his family could well attest; they would often eat the salmon he brought home from clients unable to otherwise pay. Those clients described him as a man of his word, of integrity, full of heart and compassion, a man of kindness, yet with both guns loaded and ready to fire, a gunner for justice who believed in the underdog and would fight for his clients with both gloves off. He was nationally recognized as one of the top 100 trial lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers Association, awarded as a Super Lawyer repeatedly by Washington Law and Politics and Super Lawyers Magazine. Fellow attorneys described John as tenacious, tireless, down to earth, and ethical to a fault. A man of tremendous energy, passion, experience, intelligence, creativity, and street smarts. As one of his former partners said, "After trying cases against John, and trying cases with John, I remembered the old adage, 'If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. That's when I asked him to join me at my firm.'"

Outside of the courtroom John could be found in his well-worn sweats, on the beach in front of his cabin at Anderson Island, enjoying a bowl of spaghetti at Pizzuto's Italian Cafe in Seward Park, spending time with his family, wrestling his grandchildren, or taking a much-deserved nap.

His family knew him as a man who would always show up for them. It didn't matter if it was the middle of the night or was walking into court, John answered the phone, or showed up for as long as he was needed. It was clear to his family that he loved them.

He was very loved, and will be deeply missed. We hope he's putting his feet up with a handful of cashews and an ice-cold Perrier, somewhere overlooking the water with those he loved who've passed before him, knowing that he was special, adored, and will be loved and remembered by his family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, November 19, 2022 at 1:00 PM at Kern Funeral Home in Mount Vernon, WA.

You may offer your condolences and share memories of John to his family online at www.kernfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Friendship House in Mount Vernon, WA.