James "Jim" Murphy

James “Jim” Howard Murphy, 76, passed away peacefully on November 15, 2024, with his loving children by his side.

Jim was born in Des Moines, Iowa on July 25, 1948, to Dr. James H. Murphy and Esther Cornelia “Neilie” Murphy. Despite losing his father at a young age, ‘Jimmy’ was well looked after as a young boy, being the youngest of seven children. The antics those Murphy kids would get up to on Country Club Boulevard are stuff of local legend.

He attended St. Augustin Grade School and graduated from Dowling High School in 1966. Remarkably, Jim walked to high school every day, uphill both ways. He went on to attend Creighton University, where he received both his undergraduate and law degrees, and then devoted much of his professional legal career to public service.

It was at Creighton that Jim met his “Sam”, to whom he was married for 52 years. Samantha Murphy passed away on December 24, 2023, after a long illness, during which Jim cared for her tirelessly. Jim’s heart broke when Samantha died and couldn’t be fixed in the end.

Jim put his family first, always. He thought the world of his two children, Jeff and Jamie, and they of him. As a father, he was selfless, kind, and oh so funny. His dry sense of humor and quick wit are what his friends and family will remember most about him.

Jim is survived by his son, Jeff (Julie) Murphy of West Des Moines, IA; daughter, Jamie (Eric) West of Des Moines, IA; grandson, Arthur “Artie” West; siblings, Mary Clare “Molly” Scalise of West Des Moines, IA, Kathleen “KC” Curry of West Des Moines, IA, Thomas “Tom” Murphy of Sarasota, FL, Margaret “Penny” Murphy (David Chatburn) of West Des Moines, IA; and so many nieces, nephews, relatives, and countless friends who mourn their loss and will cherish his memory.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Samantha Murphy; and siblings, Suzanne “Sue” Mathey and Dr. Michael “Mike” Murphy.

The family will gather at a later time to celebrate Jim’s life. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to John Stoddard Cancer Center.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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