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James MURPHY Obituary
59, peacefully passed away of brain cancer Aug. 4, 2015 at his home in New Port Richey. Jim was a loving father, grandfather, sibling and friend. He retired from the Fire Department after serving the city of Dunedin for 30 years. He will forever be remembered as a quiet and gentle man who enjoyed the simple things in life including: his loving daughter, Rhiannon Fahey (son-in-law Sean) and grandchildren Ethan, Noah, Payton, and Nickolas; siblings, Dan (Maureen), Kathy, and Rob (Laura); many nieces, nephews, cousins, fellow firefighters, friends and former wife, Kate. A Memorial Service will be held 11 am, Aug. 15 at Sylvan Abbey in Clearwater. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Firefighter Cancer Support Network. For service details, photos, and to send condolences, please visit:
www.sylvanabbey.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James MURPHY
Rhiannon Fahey
September 2, 2015
Dad,
It's so hard to believe that it has been almost a month. Some days go by in the blink of an eye and others seem a bit longer, but not one day goes by without me thinking of you. I thought I prepared myself for how this would feel, but now I realize, no one can prepare for this.
There are so many things that are routine; like work and the kids starting school, but then there is that nagging reminder that you are no longer here to share those experiences with. I miss calling you on my way home from work and I actually find myself dialing your number; out of habit. We have spoken to one another virtually every single day and I can honestly say, I didn't prepare myself for what not talking to you would be like. Ethan even tried out for the golf team and the first person I thought of who would be truly excited was youand I couldn't tell you in person and it hurts.
There are certain things I find myself thinking about, which previous to all of this, didn't cross my mind that much. Like the way you would draw out my name when saying itRhi---, it was as if you wanted to add the rest of the syllables to it, but decided to cut it short. And, your hands they were the kind of hands you envision when you think of Dad hands; big, strong, calloused, and they always had some scratch or scrape on them from working in the garage, yard, kayak etc. The way you said Seeya (yup the one word kind of way) at the end of every conversation.
Then there are the things that I knew I would remember; the way you would cheer Noah on during races and get a bit misty eyed when he would cross the finish line. The way you would come to the boys' football games and talk about how loud I was while cheering from the sidelines. The way you would look at Payton with amazement each (and every) time she would show you a dance or do yet another cartwheel throughout the houseand everywhere for that matter. I miss our conversations that would last the 30+ minutes it would take me to drive home from work. I miss hearing your voice the most and wish I saved your voicemail messages on my phone, but as you would say.such as life.
Uncle Rob sent me this quote and I think it says it all for anyone who has lost someone they care for and tries so hard to be strong..
I hide my tears when I say your name, but the pain in my heart is still the same. Although I smile and seem care free, there is no one who misses youmore than me.
I knew I would miss you and I knew this would not be easy, I just didn't think it would be this hard.but I have Faith that every day is a new day with the hopes that easier will be somewhere in the future. And as you would say every night before bed (and now Sean and I say to the kids).Good Night, Love You, Sweet Dreams.
Your daughter, Rhiannon
Colin and Cheryl Greeley
August 20, 2015
So grateful to have had a very long lasting special friendship with Jim and his family. We will miss his earthly presence but know that the friendship "Road goes on Forever". We will see you on the other side, Jim. Save a dance for us!!! Sending love and prayers and blessings to all that loved him as we did! PEACE!
James R. Murphy '74
August 18, 2015
The CCC community feels the deep loss of an alumnus and is praying for James' family.
Dave Sellman
August 16, 2015
I had the honor of working with him at Dunedin FD. I quickly came to know him as the old veteran who ran the track every shift and kept himself in amazing shape. I will always remember running out there with him. I was almost 30 years younger than him and I thought I was pretty fit. When I put together a team to do a charity stair climb event he joined up enthusiastically. Then he showed me how truly impressive he was. We climbed 42 floors of the Bank of America building in Tampa wearing full gear and SCBA and he flew up those stairs faster than anyone else at Dunedin. Later he would help me put a sprinkler system in my first house and my wife still remembers stopping by his place and him showing her pics of his grandkid. I saw him as a quiet,confident, and capable leader at the FD and a man who valued family and a healthy life outside the station. It is hard to believe a man like him was taken so early by cancer. I'd have expected him to be climbing mountains at 90. Listening to his daughter speak yesterday at his memorial was heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. I wouldn't have understood the full measure of him until having a daughter of my own but I now hope that my little girl one day looks at me the same way. I am so sorry for your loss as a family and thank you for sharing with us his life and his story.
August 14, 2015
I knew him back in CCCHS. He was sweet, nice, and all around great guy. My heart goes out to his family and friends. There is no doubt that he's in heaven watching over each of you.
Kat Schloss
August 14, 2015
Rhiannon, I loved your dad so much and I'm so grateful of all the awesome memories I'll always have of him. He will be missed greatly but take comfort that his spirit will live in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved him.
Roger Reinhardt
August 14, 2015
Jim Murphy was my first lieutenant when I began my career with Dunedin Fire. He was a great officer, coworker, teacher and friend. I will miss you "Muprh" but I am comforted knowing you are no longer in pain. Love and prayers to the family.
Steve Creamer
August 13, 2015
Jim Murphy was one of the best firefighters I had the honor of knowing, he will be missed, but never forgotten.
Jeff Erickson
August 13, 2015
We will miss you, Jim. We'll miss your humor, your calmness and your sense of decency. We will miss your quiet enthusiasm and positive spirit. You were such a gentle soul and loyal friend, and you will live on in our hearts and minds forever.
Mike Premo
August 11, 2015
I was there when Jim walked into the apparatus bays for his first 24-hour shift. The department gained one its best assets ever when Jim became one of us. He led by example with a quiet strength most of us had never seen. He loved his family and his job. He made everyone around him a better firefighter and in a lot of cases a better person. He will never be forgotten-and always missed.
Mike Premo
Craig Brown
August 11, 2015
You are the light of the world Jim Murphy. Now you can shine that light on forever over all of us. I will see you again my friend. Until then I know you and St. Florian will keep me protected.
Craig & Cami Brown
August 11, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family forever Rhiannon. We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. He was truly one of the best men anyone could ever have the pleasure of meeting. God Bless you and your family during this tough time.
Craig Brown
August 11, 2015
I have learned so many things from you Jim. You were an incredible man that did everything in life with a calm and relaxing attitude. You were an inspiration to others and touched many lives. It was a true honor to know you and I thank you for letting me call you my friend. You will be missed, but not forgotten.
Keith Fogarty
August 10, 2015
Sincere condolences to the family. Jim was a kind and thoughtful individual and always made comfortable at the station. Heaven has gained a special angel! Rest well my friend!
August 9, 2015
Jim was my lieutenant at DFD longer than any other. I respected his quiet leadership and expertise. My deepest condolences to his family.
Gene and Kathy petro
August 9, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers to Jim's family as you celebrate Jim's life. May those memories bring you some comfort.
JKP Hawkins
August 9, 2015
My sincerest condolences to the Murphy Family. May the God of all comfort (Psalms 83:18) help you during these difficult times.
Patrick Kroeger
August 8, 2015
To quote Kevin Welch, There'll be two dates on your headstone, and all your friends will read them. But all that's going to matter is that little dash between them. In Jim's case, that dash will represent a life well lived and a person who had a large impact on not only the strangers that he helped in emergency situations but those you knew him and loved him as well. He will be missed but not forgotten.
Danette Langere
August 8, 2015
My thoughts & prayers to Jim's family. We have lost a beautiful soul. After spending time with Jim a few weeks ago (so glad we had the chance) to laugh, joke & ofcourse watch golf & tennis matches. So many wonderful memories with the Murphy Family. First being he was the best man in our wedding, followed by many boating, fishing & camping trips. Memories I will always cherish. I
will forever listen to the Cd's you made for me. Heaven has gained
an Angel like no other.
August 7, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers to Jim's family. He was a great neighbor. We will miss him.
Paul and Debbie
Kate Murphy
August 7, 2015
Jim was always the love of my life,we somehow lost our way after 23 years,but we never lost our feelings for one another. I'm so thankful for our last week together,it was as if time had not passed. I will carry him in my heart always.
Ilona Siegel
August 7, 2015
Jim was always an especially warm human being...starting with that smile. The legacy he leaves behind is that of a man who is loved by his children, remembered fondly by his friends and respected by those with whom he worked as a professional firefighter.
Too short, but he lived a life fulfilled ...
Max Siegel
August 7, 2015
Jim was always fair, knowledgeable, positive, a real professional ... a man who loved his family, loved his career and a had unique zest for living life. Speaking to him a few weeks ago, his last words to me were, "It's all good, Max."
It was an honor to work with my firefighting brother, Jim Murphy.
August 7, 2015
Rhiannon
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sorrowful time.
Staff and Doctors
New Port Richey and Hudson Offices
Jeff Kohler
August 7, 2015
A man who led quietly by example, showing a strength of character that we all wished to emulate. I felt blessed to call this man my friend...
Norman Rosenberg
August 6, 2015
A man who carried himself with grace, and calm. Always seeking to help others, thoughtful beyond comprehension, a life spent giving, not taking. I am heartbroken at a life cut short, but take consolation that I was allowed to know you. I pray your soul rest easy my friend...
Ellen Seissian
August 6, 2015
Your quiet strength and warm smile touched many lives . Keeping your loved ones in my thoughts and prayers.
Jim Love
August 6, 2015
It was a pleasure knowing you and working with you,you were always a gentleman.
Tim&Deb Riley
August 6, 2015
You are and always will be a role model for myself and many others,be they a firefighter or not.
Raymond Brown
August 6, 2015
As a colleague and friend I cannot express how much sorrow I feel regarding Jim's passing. He was a man of quiet grace who stood out without shouting out. For those who knew Jim, you'll understand when I say you had to "Stack 'em High"!! You will be missed, Brother. Safe Journey
Ray Brown (Odessa, Fl.)
Bill&Debi Swenson
August 6, 2015
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
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