James M. Murphy

James "Jim" Michael Murphy, of Westmoreland, NH, previously a longtime resident of Hinsdale, NH, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2026 at the age of 78.

Born on May 8, 1947 in Screen, Co. Wexford, Ireland, James was the 7th out of 11 children born to Geraldine Crean Murphy and Daniel Murphy. At the age of 13, the family moved to Milford Haven, Wales and then, on May 8, 1968 - his 21st birthday, he immigrated to the United States, settling in Brattleboro, VT. Almost immediately, he went to work at The Book Press, where he stayed for 30 years, interrupted only by his military service, when he received his draft notice only 4 months after registering on his arrival in the U.S. After the closure of The Book Press, Jim went to work for Putney Paper until he retired in 2013.

On August 7th, 1971, James was married to Mary Jane Renaud of Brattleboro, and in 1974 became a father to Amy and then in 1975 to Anne. Later, on September 21, 2002 he was married to Dawna Perry, who predeceased him in 2008.

James never got to visit Ireland again, but a piece of his heart was always there. He was, however, happy and grateful to be an American, becoming a naturalized citizen in 1989, and proud to be a veteran of the U.S. Army.

Jim was an exceedingly hard worker his whole life and retirement was bad for his health. When the work was done, the loss of physical activity and social interaction led him into a quiet, sedentary life. We would have liked to see him do more fishing, more tinkering, even take up some sort of embarrassing dancing, to retain a youthful spirit in his later years, after giving so much to the ol' grindstone.

James leaves behind his daughters, Amy Murphy Nelson and her husband Thomas, along with Anne Murphy, both of Putney, Vermont, a grandson, Cole Nelson, of Putney, and a granddaughter, Olivia Nelson, of Cleveland, Ohio. Additionally, he leaves brothers Sylvester and John Murphy of Brattleboro, and Liam Murphy of Burlington, sisters Margaret Bober and Kathleen Wellington of Brattleboro, and Bridget LeClaire of Chesterfield, NH, as well as a huge number of nieces and nephews and their families. He was predeceased by his parents, his brothers Donal and Thomas Murphy, and sisters Geraldine Dromgoole and Mary McAlister.

The family is tremendously grateful to the care that James received from the many doctors and nurses at the V.A. in White River, as well as the dedicated and compassionate staff at Maplewood Nursing Home.

A memorial service is planned for Sunday, March 29, at 1:00 pm at the Brattleboro Eagles Club at 54 Chickering Drive.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Residents Activity Fund at Maplewood Nursing Home, 201 River Rd., Westmoreland, NH 03467.

Additionally, consider trying a new hobby, volunteering, socializing, even learning some embarrassing dance moves.