It was a rainy, gloomy, dreary day on Cape Cod on October 23, 2022. That's the day the Cape mourned the loss of one of its finest, James E. Murphy, Sr. of Centerville. Humble of heart, this native Cape Coddah would never have described himself this way, but all who knew him knew it to be true. He was extraordinary in the "ordinary". Jim, 85, passed away peacefully at his home after a courageous, 20-year battle against Parkinson's.

Born on North Street in Hyannis on March 19, 1937, Jim was the only son of the late Carrie (Eldridge) and William D.P. Murphy. He was also the favorite brother to six sisters and a co-conspirator with his faithful, four-legged sidekick, Smokey the Dog. Excelling in both academics and athletics, Jim attended Barnstable Schools (BHS '55). He was known for his lefty knuckleball, his QB skills, and his competitive drive. As a recipient of the Jean G. Hinkle Award, he was also recognized for his outstanding sportsmanship.

In 1954 Jim was appointed to the United States Naval Academy ('59) by then Senator John F. Kennedy. Big doings, as Jim had seldom had the opportunity to venture over The Bridge! At "Canoe U" he ditched his baseball mitt and picked up a lacrosse stick for the first time, earning All-American honors his senior year. As a result of Jim's moral, mental, and physical well-roundedness, and that of his "band of brothers", their 8th Company earned the coveted distinction of being selected as "Color Company".

While Jim embraced and appreciated the unparalleled Naval Academy education that helped shape him, his feet never fully left the Cape Cod sand. It was on the Cape, the summer following his graduation, that Midshipman Murphy met the brown-eyed beauty, Barbara Lunardini. Barbara would become his beloved wife for 58 years.

Jim would say that his greatest accomplishment was the family that he and Barbara built together with God. With Faith, Family, Friends & Flag as their foundation, they welcomed six children in eight years. With the addition of sons- and daughters-in-law, whom Jim and Barbara considered as bonus sons and daughters, the number grew to 12. Now 17 grandchildren later, Jim and Barbara truly considered them grand. Whether at a game, play, or recital, they were the biggest fans of their children and grandchildren, as well as their children's and grandchildren's friends.

To support his family of eight, Jim shared what he dearly loved by "selling" Cape Cod as a Realtor for four decades. He built a successful Real Estate business—James E. Murphy, Inc.--in which two of his children continue to work. Supporting eight people--on one income that is commission only--is no easy feat. Jim did it with hard work, a supportive wife, confidence, a sense of humor, and faith and trust in God. (And he used to race like mad to be the first one on those MLS tours!)

Despite being more or less confined to his recliner for the last year of his life, Jim continued to set an inspirational example of grace, dignity, sacrifice, resilience, selflessness, and strength. He remained the unwavering rock upon which he, Barbara, and God built a beautiful family. Even until the very end, his mischievous one-liners would bring a smile to anyone close enough to hear. He was an absolute gift from God, and now we return him to God with tears in our eyes for us, yet joy in our hearts for him…and with profound thanks.

Jim was predeceased by his beloved wife of 58 years, Barbara, and his favorite sisters: Janet Prophett and Alice Sturgis O'Neill. He is survived by his other favorite sisters: Lois Horner, Jean Crosby Mochnacki, Carolyn Crawford, and Deborah Baker. He is survived by 13 children: Mary Jude and Greg Donabedian of Windham, NH; Jim and Gretchen Murphy of Cotuit, MA; Beth and Bert Talerman of Centerville, MA; Erin and Gary Kehoe of Kingston, MA; Annie and Mark Olsen of Marstons Mills, MA; Billy and Krista Murphy of Chesapeake, VA; Nancy Jones of Osterville, MA. Plus 17 grands who were his pride and joy. Survived by wonderful brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and Godchldren.

In the last few years of his life, he was blessed to add some wonderful caregivers to his fold: Meg Strock; Roberto Barbosa; and Suzie Glover. They are now family. Our eternal gratitude to them for treating Jim like their own father.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, October 27, from 3:00 to 7:00pm in Our Lady of Victory Church, 230 South Main St. Centerville, MA. Relatives and friends are invited to attend.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in the church on Friday October 28, at 11:00 am. Relatives and friends are invited to attend.

Interment St. Francis Xavier Cemetery, Centerville.

Donations may be made to:

Our Lady of Victory Church, 230 South Main St. Centerville, MA 02632

YMCA Cape Cod--Pedaling for Parkinson's (In memo of the check) 2245 Route 132

W. Barnstable , MA 02668

Barnstable Realtors Scholarship Fund, c/o Cape Cod Five

1620 Falmouth Road, Centerville, MA 02632

"James Murphy" in memo of check