1927
James
2015
James Murphy
February 6, 1927 — July 19, 2015
Funeral services for James "Bill" Murphy of Des Moines, Iowa will be Saturday, July 25, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Assumption Catholic Church in Morris. Fr. Todd Schneider will be officiating. Visitation will be Saturday from 9:30 to 11:00, with a Knights of Columbus Rosary at 8:45 at the church. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Morris.
James William (Billy) Murphy was born February 6, 1927 in Morris, MN to William and Mary (Dewane) Murphy. He was baptized and confirmed at Assumption Church in Morris. Bill was very involved in many aspects of Sacred Heart Church, especially the Knights of Columbus in Des Moines. Bill went home to the Lord on July 19, 2015.
Bill grew up on a farm in Horton Township. He enjoyed working on the farm with his family and hired men. One of the hired men called him "little Bill" after his father. His nickname lives on as he is known as Bill, Billy and Uncle Bill to his family. Growing up, Bill loved to play baseball with his brothers, sisters and neighbors. He was a proud member of the Horton Baseball Club. He remained interested in sports throughout his life and was an avid Minnesota Gopher fan.
Bill attended country school, St. Mary's School, and graduated high school from the West Central School of Agriculture in Morris in 1945. Near the end of WWII, he was drafted into the Army where he served for two years. Bill served as Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity president while he attended the University of Minnesota and earned a B.S. degree in Agricultural Economics. He then taught and pursued graduate education at South Dakota State University in Brookings.
Bill worked for Massey Ferguson, serving as a Regional Sales Manager in various locations throughout the Midwest for 33 years. Upon retirement from Massey, Bill sold real estate for Iowa Reality for 22 years until illness forced him to retire.
Bill was a good and humble man with a hearty laugh and big smile. He never knew a stranger; he made friends wherever he went and was inclusive and welcoming to all. Bill was never concerned about himself, only others. He was an advocate for all people and generously shared his time and resources. He was "Santa Claus" and a servant of the Lord wrapped up into one.
Bill generously and lovingly spoiled his family. Distance never deterred him from attending family celebrations which was a special gift for all. He had a genuine interest in all generations of his family, knew everyone by name, what they were doing, and where they lived. Every child should be blessed with an Uncle Bill.
When illness ravaged his body, Bill met the challenge with determination and a positive attitude; teaching us about serenity, and trusting in God's plan. Bill's family is thankful to all of the friends and caregivers who have supported him and prayed with and for him; your love and care was a blessing and is greatly appreciated.
Bill will be missed by his sisters, Mary Ellen Montonye and Rosalys Weiler and sister-in-law Genny Murphy and many nieces, nephews and numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews. He is also survived by many dear friends from Sacred Heart parish and the Des Moines area. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother George, brother and sister-in-law Raymond and Beverly; brothers-in-law Paul Montonye and Maurice Weiler.
Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.Memorials preferred to Sacred Heart Church, Assumption Church, or the charity of your choice.
James William (Billy) Murphy was born February 6, 1927 in Morris, MN to William and Mary (Dewane) Murphy. He was baptized and confirmed at Assumption Church in Morris. Bill was very involved in many aspects of Sacred Heart Church, especially the Knights of Columbus in Des Moines. Bill went home to the Lord on July 19, 2015.
Bill grew up on a farm in Horton Township. He enjoyed working on the farm with his family and hired men. One of the hired men called him "little Bill" after his father. His nickname lives on as he is known as Bill, Billy and Uncle Bill to his family. Growing up, Bill loved to play baseball with his brothers, sisters and neighbors. He was a proud member of the Horton Baseball Club. He remained interested in sports throughout his life and was an avid Minnesota Gopher fan.
Bill attended country school, St. Mary's School, and graduated high school from the West Central School of Agriculture in Morris in 1945. Near the end of WWII, he was drafted into the Army where he served for two years. Bill served as Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity president while he attended the University of Minnesota and earned a B.S. degree in Agricultural Economics. He then taught and pursued graduate education at South Dakota State University in Brookings.
Bill worked for Massey Ferguson, serving as a Regional Sales Manager in various locations throughout the Midwest for 33 years. Upon retirement from Massey, Bill sold real estate for Iowa Reality for 22 years until illness forced him to retire.
Bill was a good and humble man with a hearty laugh and big smile. He never knew a stranger; he made friends wherever he went and was inclusive and welcoming to all. Bill was never concerned about himself, only others. He was an advocate for all people and generously shared his time and resources. He was "Santa Claus" and a servant of the Lord wrapped up into one.
Bill generously and lovingly spoiled his family. Distance never deterred him from attending family celebrations which was a special gift for all. He had a genuine interest in all generations of his family, knew everyone by name, what they were doing, and where they lived. Every child should be blessed with an Uncle Bill.
When illness ravaged his body, Bill met the challenge with determination and a positive attitude; teaching us about serenity, and trusting in God's plan. Bill's family is thankful to all of the friends and caregivers who have supported him and prayed with and for him; your love and care was a blessing and is greatly appreciated.
Bill will be missed by his sisters, Mary Ellen Montonye and Rosalys Weiler and sister-in-law Genny Murphy and many nieces, nephews and numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews. He is also survived by many dear friends from Sacred Heart parish and the Des Moines area. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother George, brother and sister-in-law Raymond and Beverly; brothers-in-law Paul Montonye and Maurice Weiler.
Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.Memorials preferred to Sacred Heart Church, Assumption Church, or the charity of your choice.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James Murphy, please visit our flower store.