Name: Celebration of Life for James Kelly Murphy
Start: 2025-10-19T11:00:00.000Z
End: 2025-10-19T15:00:00.000Z
Location: Michaels Funeral Home & Cremation Care

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Michaels Funeral Home and Cremation Care on Oct. 15, 2025.

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James Kelly Murphy
A Celebration of Life for James Kelly Murphy, 51, will be held Sunday, October 19, from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., with a memorial service beginning at 2:00 p.m., at Michaels Funeral Home & Cremation Care, 800 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg.
James was born March 17, 1974, in Chicago to James Sr. and Carol Murphy, and he passed away September 29, 2025, in Chicago.
James grew up in Chicago, attending Lock Grade School and Lane Tech High School, where he formed lifelong friendships that he cherished throughout his life. He was a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Bears fan and loved spending time on the golf course. He had a great attitude, loved sharing stories, and could always make you laugh with a funny joke or quick observation. No matter the time of day, James was always there to lend a hand to his friends and family at a moment's notice.
A proud Darien police officer for many years, James served his community with dedication, humor, and heart. His passion was to truly serve his community and protect others. He was known for his quick wit, his love of telling stories, and for talking sports with anyone who would listen. James never met a stranger and had a way of making everyone feel like a friend.
Loving father of Abigail Murphy and Grace Murphy; beloved brother of Johnny Murphy; grandson of Harry and Mary Krzywdzinski; godson of Michael and Debbie Krzywdzinski; nephew of Gerald (Doris) and Jerome (Bernie) Krzywdzinski; cousin of Karen (Greg), Terri, Leigh (David), Sandy (Tim), Julie (Jim), Laura, and countless other family members.
James brought joy, laughter, and love to everyone he met and left a lasting impact on all who knew him and called him brother, friend, and family. It breaks our hearts to see him go long before his time, but it brings us peace knowing he is in a better place, happy and at rest. We will always carry a piece of him with us and are all better for having known and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation made in James's honor to a charity of your choice.
For information, please call 847-891-2900 or visit www.michaelsfh.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of JAMES, please visit our floral store.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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Earlier today

Liz Poteraske White posted to the memorial.

October 15, 2025

Michaels Funeral Home and Cremation Care announced events.

October 15, 2025

Michaels Funeral Home and Cremation Care posted an obituary.

1 Entry

Liz Poteraske White

Earlier today

We are so sorry for your loss. Jim could usually find a way to see the humor in the challenging aspect of the job such as a citizen´s little dog urinating on his uniform while taking a call as a new officer .I still laugh at his unique funny explanation of that call! I remember him walking the girls past the chiefs office and stating "that will be daddy´s office someday". He was so happy when he brought in his girls.