James Murphy

Jim passed away peacefully on Monday, February 27, 2017, at his residence in Faribault, MN after a long struggle with pancreatic cancer. He had celebrated his 80th birthday last week surrounded by family.

He is preceded in death by his parents Leonard and Camilla Murphy, his brother John Murphy, his sister Joan Remick (Murphy), and granddaughter Caroline Kathleen Murphy. Jim is survived by his beloved wife: Kathleen Murphy (Coughlin), sons: Shawn (Melinda) Murphy, Kevin (Jodi) Murphy, Timothy Murphy (Barbra Olson), Brian (Brenda) Murphy, and Daniel (Traci) Murphy, sisters: Janet (Richard) Misgen, Jeanne Murphy, and Judy (Steve) Judd, brother-in-law: Don Remick. He is also survived by 18 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Jim was born on February 19, 1937 at St. Lucas Hospital in Faribault, MN. He was raised on the Murphy family farm 4 miles south of Faribault. After graduation from Faribault High School in 1955, Jim began a long and prosperous career in masonry construction. Jim married Kathleen in 1957 and they brought 5 sons into the world. He was president and CEO of three Masonry Construction companies; Murphy Masonry, Murco Masonry and J&K Masonry. He retired in 2001 at age 64 to enjoy his family and spend winters in Arizona with his gal.

He was a great Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, and Friend. Jim enjoyed telling folks he was "not too bad a guy". All who truly knew him would agree with his statement... we will all miss him dearly. May he rest peacefully with Christ.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, March 4, 2017, at 10:30 a.m. at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church, 139 Mercy Drive, Faribault. Interment will be at the Calvary Cemetery in Faribault.

Visitation will be held at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home in Faribault on Friday from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday for one hour prior to the services at the church.