Obituary of James H. Murphy
James H. Murphy, Sr.,93, of South Killingly passed away peacefully at home with family on Friday, November 22, 2024. He was born on March 19, 1931 in Arden, West Virginia, son to the late Ova Murphy and Cora (Poe) Murphy. He was married to his late wife, Geraldine Murphy who passed 6/7/2022, for 66 years.
Jim was drafted into the United States Army from 1953 to 1955 and honorably discharged as PFC, CE, USAR. He was stationed in Germany serving in the position as combat engineer. His unit was training to build bridgesand air strips. He proudly shared his experiencesduring his service some of which being: pulling guard duty, running the many miles to the rifle range for training, taking up mines left behind from World War II, pulling guns (some had ammo in them) from various rivers during bridge building and learning the German language so he could get his hot dog (das Würstchen), beer (das Bier) and socialize with the locals.
His friends referred to him as Jim or Murph. During his years in West Virigina he worked on his grandfather’s farm, proudly worked in the coal mines with his dad, worked as a “trackman” for the local railroad, laying track and putting in new rails, delivered propane and repaired customers stoves. He moved to Connecticut in 1963 due to more financial opportunities to provide for his family. Here he worked for Barstow Bus, Electric Boat and Rogers Corporation. He worked for 28 years at Rogers Corporation retiring in 1993.
Jim (in his younger days) enjoyed fishing, gardening, mowing with his John Deere lawnmower and tinkering in the garage (which he built) with an ice-cold beer in hand. He was a lifetime member of the Danielson VFW and held the position as Commander for several year. Later in life he joined the YMCA biking fourmiles on a stationary bike and attended the Danielson Veterans Coffeehouse sharing stories with fellow veterans.
Providing for his family was important. He always wanted to do his best for his family. When it came time to help him with meals, he made sure we knew no scrambled eggs for breakfast and no rice for dinner.
Jim is survived by his son James H. Murphy, Jr. of Woodstock, CT and his four daughters Donna (Chad) Morin of South Killingly, CT; Brenda (Michael) Skidmore of Danielson, CT; Linda (Steven) Severino of South Killingly, CT; and Patricia (Scott) Eastman of Canterbury. He was the loved “Papal” to 13 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. Jim is also survived by his brother Ova & Sister-in-law Jo Murphy of Canton, OH; Brother-in-law Donald & Sister-in-law Edith Gull of WVA; and Sister-in-law Betty Gull of NC.
Jim was predeceased by his brother Edsel Murphy, grandson Patrick O. Murphy and granddaughter Amanda J. Zolobkowski.
The family would like to give a special thanks to Daniel O’Neill (Day Kimball Medical Group) Day Kimball Hospice Team, CT Community Care Teamand Pierce Memorial Baptist Nursing & Rehab CenterTeam.
There will be no services or calling hours. Burial arrangements have been entrusted to Gagnon & Costello Funeral Home. A private burial will be held at a later date through Wrights Funeral Home at Clemtown Cemetery, Phillipi, West Viriginia.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Hospice of Northeast CT/Day Kimball Homecare, 415 Riverside Dr, Suite 3, No. Grosvenordale, CT 06255and/or to Pierce Memorial Baptist Home (PMBH), 44 Canterbury Rd, Brooklyn, CT 06234. Please notate on check “memory of James Murphy”. All donationsmade to PMBH will benefit their Recreational Department. Share a memory at Gagnonandcostellofh.com