James K. Murphy

James K. Murphy, 89 years, passed away July 24, 2017 at his home Appleton, Wisconsin in the presence of his loving family. He was born February 5, 1928 to his parents James and Edith Murphy (Reese) in Appleton, Wisconsin. He was a graduate of Appleton High School, Class of 1946. On January 7, 1950 James married the love of his life Patricia A. Murphy (Zak). Together they settled in Appleton, Wisconsin and raised their 5 children.

Jim worked for American Can Company and Miller Electric where he assembled electrical circuit boards. He retired from Miller Electric in 1992. He liked to go fishing and bring family along sharing in his favorite pastime. Jim liked golfing and showing off his vegetable and flower gardens. He was an accomplished cook preparing many different dishes for his loved ones. His endless wit and funny story telling kept the time together alive with laughter.

Jim will be missed by his children Kevin Murphy, Colleen (John) Willard, Maureen (Peter) Strobach, Cynthia Eckholm, Michael (Kathy) Murphy, grandchildren Brian (Rachel Yacapraro) Willard, Christopher (Jessica) Willard, Kyle Willard; Stefanie (John) Ignoffo, Chad (Brenda) Strobach, Dr. Natalie (Dr. Michael Graziano) Strobach; Shawn (Laura) Apitz, Amber (finacee Nick Westergard) Matthias, Trevor Matthias, Ryan Matthias, Kiefer Matthias, Courtney (Matt) Golon, Sadie (Larry) Olsen, Bridget Murphy, great-grandchildren Belle, Sebastian, August; Zachary, Hailie, Izabelle; Hans, Zoe; Mylena, Aaron, Adeline, Sofia; and Gracie. Further survived by other relatives and friends.

Preceded in death by his loving wife Patricia, parents James and Edith, daughter-in-law Elizabeth Murphy, and son-in-law Kirk Eckholm.

A Resurrection Mass for Jim will be held on Saturday, July 29, 2017 at 11 am at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 1810 N. McDonald St., Appleton. Fr. Gerald Falk celebrant. Private interment St. Mary Cemetery, Appleton. Family and friends may gather at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, from 9 am – 10:45 am.

In lieu of flowers memorial masses in Jim’s name appreciated. Special thank you to Fr. Falk, Sr. Delores, Chris Rosenbaum and the staff of St. Paul Hospice for their loving care of Jim.

You will always be remembered, Dad, with the baseball-bat-cane named “jimmy boy” and your smiling Irish eyes. We love you Dad, you will be missed by all of us.