Timeline for James Joseph Murphy
Born: November 30, 1942
Died: November 17, 2018
James “Jim” Joseph Murphy III departed life peacefully at the age of 75 in his home in Galveston, TX on November 17th after battling his illness with grace, determination, and unbelievable fortitude. He was born in Baltimore, MD on November 30, 1942 to James “Jamie” Joseph Murphy, Jr. and Henrietta Towson Murphy. As the older brother to Peter and the younger brother to Christopher, Jim was the middleman in every sense of the word. He graduated from St. John’s School in Houston, TX in 1960 and attended Rice University where he studied mathematics. He was a wonderful father to his two children, Lisa Murphy Dods and James Joseph “Jim” Murphy IV, step-son Brandon Grimes, and a loving granddad to Johnny, Katie, Jax, Jamie and Sophie.
Jim was married to Julia Grimes Murphy for the last 29 years, spending time between the beautiful Palm Spring desert and the wonderful high rise they meticulously designed and decorated in Galveston. Jim was happiest by the water or a cool swimming pool. He loved the open road and driving his motor coach from Texas to California and all points in between. He made many friends along the way, but he was very grateful for his close friends in Galveston and Palm Springs that enjoyed sharing his love for dining out at all the local establishments. He was a life-long entrepreneur who would rather work 80 hours a week just to avoid working 40 hours for someone else. As an ardent believer in a hard day’s work and a conscientious steward of his money, Jim would surely offer his displeasure in the amount of money spent on this obituary. Yet, despite his thriftiness, he was an extremely generous man with a kind heart and forgiving soul. Jim was an avid sports fan, and he especially loved supporting the St. John’s Mavericks, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and every one of his grandkids in their various athletic endeavors. He will be sorely missed by everyone, including his precious dog ‘Cilla who was by his side during the last moments of his life.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on November 23rd at Malloy & Son Funeral Home in Galveston. Jim’s family will receive visitors at 2:00 pm followed by a service beginning at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Amyloidosis Foundation or a charity of your choice.
Julia, today, on the day of Jim’s service, we want to add our words of warmth to the many that you have received, to tell you how much we have enjoyed Jim’s laughter and good friendship over these many years in the desert. Our best to you for the future, and we hope to see you soon.
Some of my fondest memories of Jim were spent talking about the RV lifestyle. We got our motor coach not long after Jim got his last one in Houston. He was a big influence on June and me and we will always be grateful for our time together in Galveston. Now he's on the "Highway to Heaven". God bless you Julia and the rest of the Murphy Family.
Jim, I am so sorry about your father. You and your family are in my thoughts. Best, Ann T.
So sorry to hear about Jim’s passing! My love to all of his family and friends! Thinking of sweet Julia also! ♥️🙏
Julia ... Prayers for you and your family. We loved being your neighbor while in Galveston and will treasure fondest memories of Jim.
Julia and Family, We wish we could be there this week to celebrate Jim's life. We have had so many great celebrations in the desert with you both and can't imagine a season going by not seeing you both here together. We will miss Jim's wonderful sense of humor and the harassment he always gave Margie in return for hers. He had a great life...just TOO short! May the SUN always shine down on him while he rests in peace.
We cannot fully express the sadness we feel for you at this time. Jim was an amazing person - with such a bright, positive outlook! Hold onto your wonderful memories and know that they are always with you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Please know that we are here for you and only a call away. Basia & Robert
Deepest sympathy to the family of Jim Murphy. His love for you was true and steady. Celebrate his life, keep his memory alive, and appreciate the spirit of a good man.
Jim Murphy always had a smile and a warm hug whenever we had an occasion to meet...always at the birth of a grandchild, a graduation, a hospital visit when a loved one was sick. I enjoyed those dinners and visits we shared through the years after my son, John Clayton Dods, married his daughter, Lisa Ellen Murphy. He will be missed.
A dear, wonderful friend that made me laugh so much. Our stories have such warm memories. Jim...I'm sure Florence is still in Spain! We miss you, Doug & Adele
Lisa. I am so sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of your dad. Thoughts and prayers with you and your family at this time. Love, Alison Lee
Jim, so sorry to hear about your dad. Jimmy and I hope that you and your sister are being comforted by your loving family and God, during this time. We love you!❤️
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Our thoughts remain with you and your family. We are honored by the trust and confidence you have placed in us during this difficult time.
—The Staff of Malloy Funerals & Cremations
Julia, today, on the day of Jim’s service, we want to add our words of warmth to the many that you have received, to tell you how much we have enjoyed Jim’s laughter and good friendship over these many years in the desert. Our best to you for the future, and we hope to see you soon.
Some of my fondest memories of Jim were spent talking about the RV lifestyle. We got our motor coach not long after Jim got his last one in Houston. He was a big influence on June and me and we will always be grateful for our time together in Galveston. Now he's on the "Highway to Heaven". God bless you Julia and the rest of the Murphy Family.
Jim, I am so sorry about your father. You and your family are in my thoughts. Best, Ann T.
So sorry to hear about Jim’s passing! My love to all of his family and friends! Thinking of sweet Julia also! ♥️🙏
Julia ... Prayers for you and your family. We loved being your neighbor while in Galveston and will treasure fondest memories of Jim.
Julia and Family, We wish we could be there this week to celebrate Jim's life. We have had so many great celebrations in the desert with you both and can't imagine a season going by not seeing you both here together. We will miss Jim's wonderful sense of humor and the harassment he always gave Margie in return for hers. He had a great life...just TOO short! May the SUN always shine down on him while he rests in peace.
We cannot fully express the sadness we feel for you at this time. Jim was an amazing person - with such a bright, positive outlook! Hold onto your wonderful memories and know that they are always with you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Please know that we are here for you and only a call away. Basia & Robert
Deepest sympathy to the family of Jim Murphy. His love for you was true and steady. Celebrate his life, keep his memory alive, and appreciate the spirit of a good man.
Jim Murphy always had a smile and a warm hug whenever we had an occasion to meet...always at the birth of a grandchild, a graduation, a hospital visit when a loved one was sick. I enjoyed those dinners and visits we shared through the years after my son, John Clayton Dods, married his daughter, Lisa Ellen Murphy. He will be missed.
A dear, wonderful friend that made me laugh so much. Our stories have such warm memories. Jim...I'm sure Florence is still in Spain! We miss you, Doug & Adele
Lisa. I am so sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of your dad. Thoughts and prayers with you and your family at this time. Love, Alison Lee
Jim, so sorry to hear about your dad. Jimmy and I hope that you and your sister are being comforted by your loving family and God, during this time. We love you!❤️
Malloy Funerals & Cremations
Our thoughts remain with you and your family. We are honored by the trust and confidence you have placed in us during this difficult time.
—The Staff of Malloy Funerals & Cremations