James Joseph Murphy

James Joseph Murphy was born in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, on January 26 ^th , 1947 to Joseph and Lillian Murphy. His family moved to Robbinsdale, Minnesota, where he attended Saint Margaret Mary Catholic School for 8 years and graduated from Robbinsdale High School, where he played hockey, baseball, and football. After graduating, he attended the University of Minnesota. In 1967, he joined the army during both the Cold War and the Vietnam Conflict. During most of his two years in the Army, he was stationed in Germany, where he was able to indulge in his most favored sport; skiing. He was able to ski in Germany, Italy, Spain, Austria, and Switzerland!

Jim’s mastery of heavy equipment began when he was 10 years old, working summers on his uncle’s farm in Iowa. At only 10 years old, even though he could barely reach the pedals, he was trusted to drive the two-ton grain truck to the elevator throughout those summers. Following his tour as a heavy equipment operator in the Army, he worked for 40 years as a heavy equipment operator for C.S. McCrossan, building roads and bridges.

Jim was a natural care giver and devoted father. His daughter Kelly was born prematurely and spent six weeks in the neonatal unit. There, Jim spent countless hours holding Kelly as well as other premature babies who were in need of comfort. While he did not have any grandchildren, his character and kindness led to him becoming a grandfather figure to four amazing children. Marstavian, Jesús, Joany, and María lovingly referred to Jim as Grandpa and Papa, and he referred to them, with great pride, as his grandchildren.

Jim’s unparalleled empathy, compassion, generosity, and kindness were what made Jim such an exemplary human being. While he had 65 years of work history to prove a phenomenal work ethic, he is best known for being a genuine and dependable friend.

Jim is survived by his daughter Kelly, mother Lillian, sister Kathy, numerous nieces and nephews, and countless friends.

He will be truly missed, but fondly remembered.