James E. Murphy

YOUNGSTOWN — James E. Murphy Jr., 75, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, Monday, March 24, 2025, at Hospice House.

He was born July 24, 1949, in Youngstown, a son of James Sr. and Mary Catherine Murphy.

James was a 1967 graduate of Ursuline High School and attended Youngstown State University. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War in the Fox Force Recon, 1st/14th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division.

After his military service, Murf met the love of his life, Kathy. Their love story spanned almost 51 years. Murf was an avid golfer and loved participating in various sports, including softball, bowling and darts. He enjoyed singing and was a member of the band, “Ded Sullivan”

Murf was a fiercely supportive father and an enthusiastic audience member at all of his daughters’ performances, taking great joy in their talents.

He had a fulfilling career as a bulk mail technician for the United States Postal Service and was actively involved in the local American Postal Workers Union, serving as vice president.

A proud veteran with a commitment to supporting fellow veterans, James was a member of several organizations, including the Austintown VFW Post 4237, where he held the position of 2nd vice. He was also a member of the Catholic War Veterans and the Disabled American Veterans. He was proud to reconnect to his fellow Fox Force brothers and cherished this extended family. 

James is survived by his wife, the former Kathleen Capitola, whom he married April 28, 1979; daughters, Shannon (Steve Surgalski) Murphy of Philadelphia and Jamie (Dave O’Brien) Murphy of Pittsburgh; granddaughter, Amela O’Brien; brothers, Martin (Barb) Murphy and Patrick (Elizabeth) Murphy; sister, Donna Grombacher; and many loved nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his brother, Sean Murphy; and sisters, Catherine and Jeanne Murphy.

Calling hours will be 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Austintown Chapel, and 9 until 10 a.m. Friday, March 28, 2025, followed by a funeral service at 10 a.m. that same day. 

Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery at a later date.

Arrangements are by Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Austintown Chapel, 4303 Mahoning Ave.