James Patrick Murphy

Jim graduated from St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute in Buffalo; he was a Coxswain for their Championship crew team, which included some of his brothers. If you knew Jim long enough, you certainly heard the story of the time when their crew beat the Olympic team training with them.

He married his wife Roberta (“Bobbie”) in 1973, and they relocated to Jamestown where they remained for the rest of their lives. Jim was a well-loved Steward at the Elks Club in Jamestown and was a member of the Elks for 43 years. He retired as a Salesman for Ed Shults Chevrolet after many successful and enjoyable years with the Shults family.

Jim is survived by his loving companion of 20 years and best friend Onnolee Samuelson, his daughters Molly (Ian) Moore of Jamestown and Bridget Puccarelli (Joey) of Jamestown, and his sons James Patrick Murphy Jr. of Glenwood, NY and Martin (Julia) Murphy of Mayville. Jim has two surviving stepchildren, Melinda Worden (Steve) and Mark Smith (Cindy). He has thirteen grandchildren: Derek, Carter, Madison, Gannon, Gabe, Lennon, Grady, Miles, Quinn, Nolan, Connor, Joseph (“Junior”) and baby Nino. He was preceded in death by his wife Bobbie Murphy, a stepson Michael Smith, parents (Betty and Jerry) and his sister Mary Murphy.

In his heyday, Jim was the life of the party. He was quick with a joke and full of funny stories. Jim was incredibly intelligent; he especially had a mathematical mind. He was an avid Buffalo Bills and New York Yankees fan and enjoyed many games including three out of the four Bills’ Super Bowls. Jim was fiercely loyal and dedicated to his family and friends. He also quietly wanted to make the world around him a better place. He often supported students in need at Southwestern and Jamestown anonymously. He was instrumental in getting meals donated and served through the Elks Club at our local Special Olympics; a tradition that carries on today. In his later years, Jim enjoyed the peace and quiet of Kiantone; he was especially amused by wildlife traipsing through his lawn, especially turkeys, deer, and rabbits.

As per Jim’s wishes, a formal service will not be conducted at this time. A Celebration of Life will be hosted at the Allen Park Men’s Club later. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Kiantone Fire Department – 2318 Foote Avenue Ext, Jamestown, New York 14701 or the Local Special Olympics organization- 2821 Wehrle Drive, Suite 7, Williamsville, NY 14221 Western – Special Olympics New York.

You may leave words of condolence at www. lindfuneralhome.com.