IN LOVING MEMORY OF
James W.
Murphy
November 30, 1939 – April 1, 2024
Obituary
SCOTIA –
With sorrow, but bittersweet gratitude, the Murphy family announces the passing of our much loved husband, brother, uncle, resigned priest and lifelong social activist on April 1, 2024.
Jim passed away peacefully at home after surviving a massive heart attack in late December. Born in Schenectady to Al and Peg Murphy, Jim was the youngest of three brothers. He attended St. John The Evangelist School, followed by CBA. He also attended Mater Christi Seminary, St. Paul Seminary, and the University of Ottawa, the Gregorian University in Rome, the North American College in Rome and was proudly part of the Vatican II class. He was ordained a priest at St. Peters, at the end of the Vatican Council. He has stayed in touch with many of his NACC classmates over the last 60 years.
Although Jim left the active priesthood in 1984 when he married Faye Tischler, he remained a devout Catholic and social activist. Jim often said he missed being an active priest but never regretted his decision. He served on the Schenectady County Legislature for 2 terms, was head of People's Advisory Service, was a clergy member of Clergy and Laity Concerned for Vietnam, was an administrator at SICM and served in an administrative role at the Law Order and Justice Center (LOJ) and the Centers for Community Justice (CCJ). He always said there are two types of Christians; those interested in making a place for themselves in heaven and those trying to make the world a better place. He was firmly in the latter group.
Jim is survived by his wife, Faye Tischler and his brothers Edward Murphy of Dunedin, Florida and Tom Murphy (Barbara) of Niskayuna. He is also survived by two nieces; Margaret Murphy of Niskayuna and Judith Millar (Harrison) of Gloucester MA. Jim is also survived by five nephews; Kevin Murphy (Jeanie) of Port Townsend WA, Matt Murphy (Alex) of Brooklyn, Chris Murphy (Mary) of Newton MA, Martin Murphy of Albany, Danny Murphy (Dorrea) of Hillsborough, North Carolina. Jim was predeceased by his parents and his nephew Terry Murphy of Saratoga.
For all of his life Jim tried to be a follower of the Lord Jesus. He found comfort in a quote from Mica found in the New Jerusalem Bible; "This is what the Lord asks of you; only this, to act justly, love tenderly, and walk humbly with your God."
Jim's family would like to thank all of the dear friends who stepped up and surrounded us with loving care during this difficult time. A special thanks also, to the ongoing Men's Group that welcomed Jim as a member and provided support and camaraderie for the past 15 years.
Jim's life was one well lived. We are grateful to have had him in our lives.
Cremation has taken place through the care of Simple Choices, Inc.
Relatives and Friends are invited to pay their respects on Thursday, April 11, 2024 from 10AM until 11AM in St Joseph's Catholic Church,
231 2nd Street, Scotia, NY 12302. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 o'clock in the church. Interment will follow the mass in Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Murphy Family, online at: SimpleChoicesCremation.com
Services
Mass of Christian Burial
April
11
St. Joseph's Church (Scotia)
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Interment
April
11
Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery
12:30 - 1:00 pm
James W. Murphy's Guestbook
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