James Murphy

James (Jim) Alban Murphy, age 92, was born to eternal life October 10, 2022. Jim was born to his earthly life to Mary M. (Monahan) Murphy and Dr. James Alvan Murphy on April 22, 1930 in Milwaukee, WI. Jim is survived by his wife of 63 years, Helen M. (Brah) Murphy and their six children: Peggy (Gary) Steinbrecher of Thiensville, WI; Jim (Mary) Murphy of New Berlin, WI; Dan (Kimberly) Murphy of Springfield, VA; Tom Murphy of Glendale, WI; Michael (Linda Vassallo) Murphy of Campbell, CA; and Kay (Greg) Harmeyer of Liberty Township, OH. Jim also leaves a legacy of 10 grandchildren: Nate, Mary (Israel Arroyo), and Samantha (Taylor Abbott) Steinbrecher; Allie (Tim) Stevens, Emily (Kevin) Nagahashi, and Matt Murphy; Katie, William, Mikey, and Kiley Harmeyer. He was great grandfather to Bjorn Steinbrecher; Tripp, Keltie, and Krew Stevens; and Willow Arroyo. Also survived by many neices and nephews. Preceded in death by his sisters and their spouses: Mary Ann (Gene) Drzycimski, Kathleen (Don) Horning, and Nora (Frank) Renner. Jim and Helen were married April 4, 1959 at St. Robert Catholic Church in Shorewood by Helen's cousin, Father Edward Vogel. They raised their family in Mequon's Lac du Cours subdivision for 42 years before residing at Alexian Village Milwaukee the last 12 years. The family were parishioners of St. James (now Lumen Christi) Catholic Church where all their children attended grade school. Jim served St. James as a lector and on the Parish Council Building Committee when the current church and gym complex were built. His family's eldest child and only son, Jim grew up on the west side of Milwaukee as a proud graduate of Mother of Good Counsel Grade School, Marquette University High School (1948), and Marquette University (1952). He started college attending Regis College in Denver where his love of skiing and the mountains began. Jim served his country in the Army from 1952 to 1954 during the Korean War Conflict. He learned to drive a tank at Fort Knox, TN and then was deployed to border patrol in West Germany. Following his military service, Jim defied Murphy's Law starting James A. Murphy (JAM) & Associates where he was self-employed for over 40 years as a Manufacturers' Representative. He was a longtime member of the WI Association of Manufacturers' Agents, Society of Plastics Engineers, and the Society of the Plastics Industry. For business and leisure, he loved to travel around the world visiting all the continents except Africa documenting his travels with his many cameras. He was an avid downhill skier and longtime member and certified instructor of the National Ski Patrol. Jim was a charter member of the Vagabond Ski and Social Club from its founding in 1958 until his 86th birthday. He earned his Eagle Scout at 16 and spent a memorable summer at the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. Jim later served as Assistant Scoutmaster of St. James Troop 815 while his sons were scouts. For their many years of support and care the family wishes to thank the Alexian Brothers and Alexian Village staff as well as the Milwaukee VA Hospital and Clinics, especially the Home Based Primary Care team and Low Vision Clinic staff. Funeral Mass at Alexian Village Milwaukee Chapel on Friday, November 4 at 11:00 a.m. will be preceded by visitation at the chapel beginning at 9:30 am. Private interment at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove at 10:00 am on Monday, November 7. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Alexian Village Milwaukee Employee Appreciation Fund and Marquette University High School would be appreciated by the family. Jim was a proud, 100% Irishman who often celebrated this heritage through his colorful attire. Slan leat, faithful friend. Slan Leat.