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James Murphy Obituary
October 6, 1947 - November 9, 2022
James Joseph Murphy, better known as "The Fuse", passed away peacefully on November 9, 2022, after a courageous battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, JoAnn; his children, Jim (Emily) Murphy and Kelley (Tim) Caulfield; and his five beloved grandsons, Jack and Liam Murphy and James, Sean, and Luke Caulfield. He was also a cherished uncle to numerous nieces and nephews.
On October 6, 1947, Jim was born to Gerald and Grace Murphy in San Francisco. He grew up on 18th Avenue with his four siblings: Grace, Jerry, Ruth, and Gene. Jim made the long journey across the street to attend St. Cecilia's School and then graduated from Sacred Heart Cathedral. He ventured across the bay to UC Berkeley in the late 1960s, where he developed his passion for Cal football and made many lifelong friends at Phi Gamma Delta. During one Cal summer, he traveled the world on a merchant marine ship, visiting numerous countries and riding elephants. In 1976, Jim joined the San Francisco Police Department and, a year later, graduated from Lincoln Law School and passed the bar. He practiced law on West Portal, where people could find him in his famous West Portal Tuxedo. He always enjoyed helping others and was a beloved "fixer" to all.
We will always remember the Fuse for his generous spirit and larger-than-life personality. Despite never seeing his Cal Bears return to the Rose Bowl, he still enjoyed life to the fullest. He filled his life with countless accomplishments, family memories, and long-lasting friendships.
Friends may visit Thursday, November 17, 2022 at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 2555 17th Avenue, San Francisco at 10:00am followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00am.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim's name to St. Cecilia School, 660 Vicente St., San Francisco, CA 94116.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Murphy
Sponsored by Duggan's Serra Mortuary - Daly City.
Kathleen (Katie) Land
January 31, 2023
Oh No!! I just found out today. I knew Mr. Murphy in a professional capacity and our office always enjoyed seeing him in the office. Such a wonderful person. I also live in the same area as him and sometimes we would run into each other at the grocery store. Our office shares wonderful memories of him. Rest in Paradise, my friend.
Paul Favetti
January 27, 2023
Deepest condolences to Jim's family. He was a pleasure to see many evenings at the Olympic Club Lakeside, always having a good laugh and talking about mutual acquaintances. He will be deeply missed.
Sandy Suslow
December 4, 2022
My deepest condolences to you Joanne and your entire family. Jim was a very kind person and I always liked talking with him. May he rest in peace.
Andrea
December 4, 2022
My deepest condolences to the surviving family. I will always be thankful for the help he offered in a very difficult time for me. It meant a lot to know he was on my side and helping navigate through a first and tumultuous time. May God Bless him and let him live in a forever and glorious peace.
Liz Jenkins
November 28, 2022
May you rest peacefully, Uncle Jim. Thank you for everything you´ve done for me.
Sending endless amounts of comfort and love to the Murphy family. My deepest condolences.
The Lee - Sutherland Family
November 16, 2022
We were heart broken to learn of Jim´s passing. He was the epitome of a perfect neighbor...he was caring, gracious, and always saw the humorous side of things especially city politics. We would often commiserate at the curb on a myriad of topics from football to politics. Jim always made us laugh, no matter the topic. We will always be grateful to Jim for his help with my father who had fallen in the house. When my mother frantically went over to the Murphy´s seeking help; and without hesitation, Jim quickly came over to our house and assisted my father. We will miss "Mr. Murphy" immensely...he will always be in our hearts.
With our deepest condolences to JoAnn, Jim, Kelley and their families,
Theresa, Bryce and Alexandra Sutherland and "Mrs. Lee"
Tom Posey
November 15, 2022
Jim was a good man and a true San Franciscan
george borges
November 14, 2022
Jim was also a legend at the Hall of Justice, where he plied his trade with good humor - and routinely achieved stellar results for his clients.
Ed Reidy
November 14, 2022
We have all lost a good man. Husband , Father, Grand Father and Friend´. Jim was also an evening fixture at the Olympic Club at Lakeside. Always with a good word and support for his fellow members and the staff there. Lately we have some of those that were part of that evening line -up and losing Jim is a hard one to have to include...
Mimi Palu
November 13, 2022
Please accept my condolences during this difficult period. He grew up with my brother John at St. Cecilia and Sacred Heart. May he Rest In Peace.
Donna Reed
November 13, 2022
My condolences to JoAnn the entire Murphy family. We have lost a very special man. I have so many wonderful memories of Jimmy, 49er games, Donner lake, 4th of July parade in Truckee and sharing a laugh and a cocktail. He will be missed.
Sharon Gutierrez
November 13, 2022
Jim and his entire family have been friends of mine for many years. We spent fun times with them in the city at their home and many 49er football games. Also, in Truckee enjoying numerous 4th of July parades. He was always a great guy and lived life to the fullest. It is with a sad heart that I write these words, but I know he is in a better place now. May the good Lord welcome him into his heavenly Kingdom and may he rest there in peace. Amen
Lori White Rolovich
November 13, 2022
To JoAnn and all the Murphy Family,
I´m so deeply sorry to hear of Jim´s passing. He was a wonderful guy, a friend from yesteryear, and always a ready smile when I would see him over the years.
My deep condolences to you all. Rest now with the angels, Jim.
karl selchau
November 13, 2022
Worked some shifts with Jim at Ingleside Station (great time). A very smart guy, with a broad range of knowledge in many areas, including the trades. Helped me out big time while installing a new electrical service at Mom´s place, and always available with `practical´ legal advice.
Dave Carson
November 13, 2022
Sorry to hear of Jim's passing we were classmates both at St. Cecilia and Sacred Heart We played football together at SH I last saw Jim at a SH function at Capurros
May he rest in peace.
Dave Carson
John Wyman
November 13, 2022
Never worked with Jim in the PD. Had dealings with him and his law practice, and many "conferences" in West Portal. He definitely had a way of getting things done. He will be missed
Rich cairns sfpd
November 12, 2022
Jim was a great guy
I went sacred heart class of 65 with Jim
Met up with him again in the police dept
Another good guy gone so sad
He will be missed by all of us
Rich cairns
Stoney
November 12, 2022
RIP Jim.
St Cecelia `63
Mike Puccinelli
November 12, 2022
My condolences to the Murphy family. Jim was one of the best. I'll never forget attending the SFPD Academy with Jim and our study sessions at various gin mills after class was over. Rest in Peace, Big Guy
Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results
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