James A. Murphy Sr.

James A. Murphy Sr., 87, of Charlestown, RI passed away peacefully on June 12th, 2023 with his family at his side.
He was a long-time resident of Cranston, RI where he served on the Cranston City Council from1974 to 1980. He was also a Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, St Paul's Council in Edgewood.
Jim was Executive Vice President of Brian Supply Co. in Providence, RI, and he was also Vice President of Woodis Supply in Worcester, MA, Chase Parker in Boston, MA and Brierley Lombard Co., Worcester, MA. He retired at age seventy-two in 2008. He was a graduate of St. Peter's High School in 1954 and a graduate of Worcester Junior College of Business Administration in 1956.
He loved all sports and was an accomplished athlete in baseball, basketball, and golf. His greatest joy came from watching and supporting his children and grandchildren coaching and participating in ice hockey, figure skating, baseball, softball, field hockey, lacrosse, rugby, and tennis.
Born in Worcester, MA, he was the youngest son of six children of the late Michael and Margaret Murphy. He was predeceased by his three sisters: Marie Gagan, Sister Helen Murphy, Dorothy Reddy, and his two brothers: Thomas Murphy, and Robert Murphy. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, beloved by his family for his commitment to family and community involvement, his widespread friendships, and his ever-present good humor and enjoyment of people. He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Joan (Burns), his four children: James Murphy Jr. and his wife Donna of Wilton, CT, Colleen Duval and her husband Ken of Scituate, MA, Beth McCann and her husband Tracy of Westerly, RI, and Melisa Papagni and her husband Michael of Worcester, MA. He was the grandfather of nine loving grandchildren: Rollie Jenkins (Elyse), Ryan Jenkins, Murphy McCann (Samantha), Tracy Sunda (Stefan), Taryn O'Connor (Liam), Jimmy Murphy III, Madison McCann, Tommy Papagni and Johnny Papagni, and his first great-grandchild, Elliana Jenkins. He was Uncle Jim to many nieces and nephews who he loved so much.
He will be remembered for his joy of living and for his constant care of family and love of friends. He will be missed dearly.
Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, June 25th from 2pm-5pm at Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home, 59 Spruce St., Westerly, RI. A Memorial Service will take place at 10am on Monday, June 26th at St. James Chapel, 2079 Matunuck Schoolhouse Road, Charlestown, RI. Burial is private. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to St. Jude Childrens' Research Hospital in memory of James A. Murphy Sr. at:
https://raise.stjude.org/JamesMurphySr
For online condolences please visit www.gaffneydolanfuneralhome.com