James F. Murphy's Obituary
James F. Murphy, age 78, of St. Clair quietly passed away Monday February 13th after battling a long illness. Jim is survived by his wife, Mary Murphy; his children, Jay, Eddie, Erin, Daniel and Dana; brother, Phil; three grandchildren, Danni, Bryan and Brendon; and Donna Bannerman, the mother of his four children.
Jim graduated from Holy Cross High School, Marine City in 1957. Jim started his professional life working at a gas station. The station is also where he would hang with his friends, as Jim always enjoyed good conversations with others. He was a St. Clair police officer in the 1970’s, where he was a favorite with the teenagers in town. The young adults felt that Officer Murphy treated them with respect, and together they built a good relationship with trust. Jim then went on to work for the Detroit Edison, both in East China and Marysville.
Jim had a life filled with family, love, travel and lessons. He started his academic life in Pinckney, Michigan. In kindergarten Jim was caught skipping school to watch the local mechanic work on cars. As he got older, he continued to enjoy his school life by jumping out of a second story window of Holy Cross High School. As he got older he found his happiness spending time with his family and traveling, especially to the Smokey Mountains.
At the end he also became a part of the loving family at Medilodge of St. Clair. Jim was a loving husband, dad, grandpa, son, brother and friend. He will be missed, but we know he has had quite a reunion with his beloved family in heaven. He was the baby of the family and they have been waiting for him.
A funeral service will be held Thursday February 16th at 11:30 a.m. at Young Funeral Home, China Twp. with a visitation prior to service from 11:00 to 11:30 a.m. Private interment will be in Hillside Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the American Heart Assoc. in remembrance of Jim’s life. To leave a message of comfort please visit www.youngcolonial.com
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