John T. Murphy

John Murphy Obituary

JOHN T. MURPHY JULY 20, 1932 - APRIL 10, 2007 John T. Murphy, Attorney at Law, born July 20, 1932, passed away suddenly after a brief illness on April 10, 2007 at Memorial Hospital with his loving wife, Rose Marie Murphy, at his side.

John practiced law in Modesto for over 31 years and will be remembered as a man of integrity, dignity and decency. He was a gentleman's gentleman. During his life he valued his privacy and his family most of all. He enjoyed fly fishing, 49er football, Giants baseball, crossword puzzles and western movies. He collected Louis Lamour western books and he loved raising Beagles for field trials.

John graduated from South Dakota Law School in 1957. He was Attorney, Office General Quartermaster General U.S. Army, Assistant Chief Counsel, 1958-1963, gen. counsel 1963-1965; Assoc. Short, Short, Scott & Murphy, 1965-1968; Ptr., Hulsey, Beus, Wilson, Scott & Murphy, Stockton, 1968-70; Bd. Dirs. Delta-Stockton Humane Soc. 1970-1975; Tuolumne River Preservation Trust; bd. Govs. Calif. Trout Inc, mem. Stanislaus, River Task Force, Stanislaus Country Water Coord. Com.; chmn. Southwestern Trial Bd.; mem. State Bar Calif, Assn. Trial Lawyers Am.; Beta Theta PI, Phi Delta Phi, Stockton Beagler's Club, sec, dir. Stockton Beagler's Club, Am. Kennel Club (Beagle Adv. Com. 1984-1986).

John is survived by his devoted wife, Rose Marie Murphy; his daughter, Christine Kersten; his grandson, Michael Kersten and his granddaughter, Jennifer Kersten.

A celebration of John's life will be held Tuesday, April 17, 2007 at McHenry Chapel of Franklin & Downs 3:30 PM, immediately followed by a reception at the Murphy's residence.

Remembrances can be made to Community Hospice Inc., 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto 95356.

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Published by Modesto Bee on Apr. 13, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for John Murphy

5 Entries

Pattie Blaine-Nelson

April 19, 2007

Dear Rose Marie ~ I regret that I couldn't join my dad, Gordon, at your home after John's lovely "get together of friends". I had a client appointment. I have been putting together written memories, and thoughts of John. Most are from kid land; when I hung out with the adults. Another major one was when I was almost an adult. He was there to advise me when I had a time of need. I was spastic; he was the voice of reason that calmed me. Let me know if you'd like to hear these memories and thoughts. The only specific one is the almost adult one. The others are more remembering thoughts, and feelings. It would be best for me if I could fax my hand written notes, rather than email. This takes me a really long time. So, email me to let me know ~ [email protected]. Give me your fax number, or, if you don't have a fax at home, give me your email. I would give you my fax number now if I was speaking to you on your email. Anyway, it was SO cool to hear those who love John speak; I wasn't at all surprised. Dad said there wasn't much left for him, he felt that it was important for the others,so, he was ok with it. Dad DID know the background for John's email address; one of John's beagles. Dang, he should have at least stood up and cleared that up for the folks who were there wondering.It was a really neat time; John is a special man, and loved by SO many folks throughout the years. He has earned many jewels in his crown, without even trying; just being the man God made him. Warmest Wishes ~ Pattie Blaine-Nelson

Pattie Blaine-Nelson

April 17, 2007

Dear Rose Marie ~ I am the daughter of two of John's dearest and oldest friends; Gordon and Margaret Blaine. Dad tells me that I was 2 years old when he and John first met. I'm 47 years old now. There are plenty of memory stories in my family prior to John; none compare to the memory stories after John entered our lives. And, speaking of memory stories; John was THE KING! He has plenty on our family; never hesitated to tell them; each time he told one, it was better than the last time he told it, and better than what actually happened. The man was SO a gifted teller of stories; geez, a really good lawyer,eh? He was always there for us, no matter how petty the legal question; most recently, just in Feb. Dad called for me, John advised, all is well. And that's how it always went. My family has been SO blessed having John in our lives. My dad had a life long friend that is irreplaceable; a pal he always felt comfortable with. Our family had a friend that was always available to us, even when he was ill. Dad and John went to judge the last beagle trial whan they both felt like crap; Dad didn't know he had pheumnoia; not sure what John knew; but, they weren't going to disappoint each other. My family dearly loves John Murphy, and we will miss him. The man blessed us with his true friendship. With love and warmest regards ~ Pattie Blaine-Nelson

DeNeice Murphy

April 14, 2007

Mrs. Murphy and family; John's law associates and long-time secretary Maggie. I met John about four years ago, he was a very compassionate person, brilliant attorney, and I appreciated him and his staff for everything they did for me (what other attorneys said would not be done). He will truly be missed in the legal community and I will never forget him for everything he did for me. He took it to the limit! My family and I are deeply saddened. Please let me know if there is anything that I can do to help in this time of need. DeNeice Murphy, client.

Marissa Melgoza

April 13, 2007

Ms. Murphy
John was a wonderful man to my sister (Maggie) & I thank God for putting him in her path. He will be dearly missed by her and everyone else. Our thoughts & prayers are with you.

Gwen Eggebraaten

April 13, 2007

My deepest sympathies RoseMarie. John was my first cousin and I have the fondest memories of him as a child in South Dakota. He had the most wonderful sense of humor and I know you will miss him dearly as we all will.
God Bless
Gwen Eggebraaten

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