James Murphy

James (Jim) Ronald Murphy died Thursday, December 19, 2013 at his beloved home in Bear Creek Canyon, Bayfield, Colo. surrounded by his family and friends, due to complications from a spinal infection. He was 76 years old. Mr. Murphy was born April 29, 1937 in Jersey City, New Jersey the son of James F. and Josephine A. Murphy. Mr. Murphy married his childhood sweetheart, to Hazel Janet Albecker while serving as a Marine Drill Sargent at Paris Island, South Carolina on Sept. 16, 1956. They were married 55 years. The Murphy’s left Englishtown, New Jersey in 1969 and to settle and build their home in Bear Creek Canyon, Bayfield, Colo., where together they raised nine children. He was a contract painter. Mr. Murphy enjoyed painting, woodworking, building things but enjoyed his friends and family the most. He will be remembered as a perfect companion to his wife, Hazel and as a friend and father to many. Mr. Murphy was preceded in death by his parent, James and Josephine Murphy, stepfather, William Barry, sister, Arlene Goddard, son, Patrick W. Murphy and wife, Hazel J. Murphy. Mr. Murphy is survived by his children: Debbie A. Brown, (daughter), Timothy S. Murphy (son), Amy K. Ridgeway (daughter) and Susan M. Snively (daughter) all of Bayfield, Colo., James F. Murphy (son), Mesa, Arizona, Michael J. Murphy(son) of Brick, New Jersey, Thomas J. Murphy(son) of Phoenix, Arizona, Charles Kelly (son) of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and sister, Dianne Nowak of Debary, Florida, 25 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren also survive. Mr. Murphy is being cremated and a memorial service will take place in late spring-early summer when he will be reunited with his wife at the Pine River Cemetery in Bayfield, Colo. The memorial date and time will be released prior to the service and ask all who wish to attend and share in the celebration of his life, to please come and celebrate with us.