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James Murphy

In Loving Memory

Murphy, James William

July 2, 1936 - March 15, 2025

Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church on Saturday, March 15th, 2025.

Beloved husband for 65 years of Marilyn R. Murphy (nee Ban); dearest father of Tim (Donna) Murphy, Jim (Kathleen) Murphy, Robert (Kim) Murphy, Barbara Rompel, and Margaret (Jamie) Conley; loving grandfather of Madison and Mckenzie Murphy, Meghan, Kellyn, Patrick, and Brennan Murphy, Nicholas, Maggie, and T.J. Duggan, Finn Conley, and the late Erin Corrier; great grandfather of Garrett, Wyatt and Ella Murphy, and Isabelle Murphy; dear brother of Timothy, (Beth) Murphy, and the late Russell (survived by Nancy) Murphy, Thomas (survived by Diane) Murphy, and Michael (Carol) Murphy; our dear brother-in-law, uncle, great-uncle, cousin, and friend.

Sworn in as St. Louis City Sheriff on January 1, 1989. He was re-elected 6 more times and was the longest tenured Sheriff in the history of St. Louis. James W. Murphy was elected Committeeperson of the Twelfth Ward in 1972. He was a City Constable from 1974 to 1976. Jim was also elected to the Missouri Senate in 1976, and reelected to that position in 1980.  On October 12, 1994 he was voted Missouri’s Sheriff of the Year.
He was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, White House Retreat, the IHM Men’s Club, and the Soccer Hall of Fame. As part of a decorated soccer career, Jim was a member of the US Men’s World Cup Soccer team.

 SERVICES: Visitation at KUTIS AFFTON CHAPEL (10151 Gravois Rd., 63123) on Wednesday, March 19th from 3:00 – 8:00 PM. Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church (4092 Blow St., 63116) for visitation on Thursday, March 20th, 9:00 AM until funeral Mass at 10:00 AM. Interment at Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to American Diabetes Association are appreciated

Condolences

21 thoughts on “Murphy, James William”

  1. We will truly miss Jim. He was always there if you needed him. We had so mush fun traveling with him and Marilyn all over the globe. Our prayers go out to all the Murphy family. We know the Golden Gates will be open wide for Jim Murphy.
    God Bless his soul and may he receive enteral heavenly peace.

    Don and Sharon Link

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  2. Thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Jim. Knew him and Marilyn many years ago, always kind and loving people.

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  3. We are heartbroken to hear of Jim’s passing. We have many fond memories of Jim from our St. Louis Cardinals Spring Training trips. We will never forget his kindness. Marilyn, we are praying for you and your family.

    With much love,
    Ann and Randy Beck

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  4. Jim was my colleague and great friend when we both served in the Missouri Senate. What a terrific guy he was. Even though we were different political parties my Senate service was enriched by being able to serve with Jim. He left and later ran for sheriff in the city. Since I was a lawyer I was fortunate to be able to work with him in his capacity as sheriff. Jim brightened every day and was such a good man. He will be missed.

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  5. To the Murphy Family, my condolences on the passing of the Sheriff. He was a fantastic person. I know he is and will be missed greatly. He and your family are and will be in my prayers.

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  6. To the Murphy family, my condolences on the passing of Sheriff Murphy. He was the kindest gentleman, a great American who will be missed. He contributed so much good to our State and Country. My prayers with Sheriff Murphy and family.

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  7. We are sad to hear this news. Prayers to Marilyn and the entire family. He was such a great person and did soo much for St Louis. The soccer community also will miss him. Please let us know if you need anything.

    Sending Love, from Jamie and Joe and The entire Sharamitaro Family

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  8. To the Murphy family, my condolences on Sheriff Murphy, himself and his wife had been my patients for many years at STL Vision and every time they came in I had to have them. He was the nicest man and always asked about my family and my husband who is a SLMPD detective and I absolutely adored him and his wife. My heart breaks for their loss, my prayers to Mrs. Murphy and family

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  9. David and I were so sad to hear of Jim’s passing. David worked with Jim during the transition of the old City Jail and the new Justice Center and several other meetings and Jim was always willing to help provide transportation services for the City Jail the “Workhouse”. I remember Jim as kind, fun, happy and so proud of his wonderful family! We are out of town this week so won’t be able to attend the visitation or funeral but please know your whole family is in our prayers for comfort and peace.

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  10. Our deepest sympathy to the Murphy Family. From teaching at Immaculate Heart of Mary, we have known the Murphy family for a very long time. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Mr. John and Mrs. judy (John and Judy Pohl)

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  11. HE WAS A GREAT MAN, MY CONDOLENCES TO MARILYN AND THE ENTIRE FAMILY.
    Eternal rest grant unto HIM , O Lord,
    and let perpetual light shine upon HIM .
    May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

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  12. Condolences to the Murphys — so many fond memories growing up with the whole clan, rooted in the friendship of the parents.
    Slainte ☘️ ~ Ann Boyle Saladin

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  13. Dear Murphy Family: We send our heartfelt condolences to you all. He was such a wonderful man. Knowing you all from IHM there are many great memories. He had a wonderful life and will be missed/remembered by everyone who ever knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, Carl and MaryJo (Pona) Schniers.

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  14. May JESUS CHRIST & MOTHER OF PERPETUAL HELP, Guide, Guard,, Protect &
    Watch over you & yours always!! Your Bride were always together with NIck
    Now Jim can talk to JESUS & FATHER DAMIAN DOUGHERTY AT ALL TIMES! Marylin & Jim were always together & would laugh at things that most people would cry about! Father Damian Dougherty always put trouble or anything that would be bothering people to rest! YOUR THE BEST & HAVE A BEAUTYFUL
    CHILDREN FAMILY

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  15. Deepest heartfelt condolences! To all the Murphy’s , no words to express your loss and mine. Thank you Lord for giving us such a beautiful soul! Love you all and always in my prayers! 🍀 love Beth Kelly Bujnak

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