Francis James Murphy Jr.
ST. IGNATIUS — Francis James Murphy Jr. (Jim or “Murph”) passed away on Jan. 20, 2017, in St. Ignatius, surrounded by his family.
Jim was born on Aug. 16, 1944, in Helena. Jim’s dad was Colonel F. J. (“Spud”) Murphy of Helena.
Jim was an altar boy for years at the Cathedral of St. Helena and was proud of his Catholic faith. He attended St. Helena Grade School, Helena Cathedral High School, and Carroll College. He served in the United States Navy until 1964.
Jim took tremendous pride in his work ethic and ability to easily adapt to his professional responsibilities – often calling himself, “a jack of all trades, a master of none.” Through his life Jim exhibited his integrity working as a young man at Von Ragsdale in Helena, installing telephone lines for Mountain Bell, playing softball with lifelong friends in Missoula, or giving his attentive ear and loving character to his children and grandchildren.
Jim held a passion for helping and improving the lives of troubled youth and the disadvantaged and he gained the trust and love of many for whom he became a mentor.
Other than spending time with his adored wife and family, Jim’s favorite pastime was gazing at the Mission Mountains from the deck of his St. Ignatius home.
Jim is survived by his loving wife, Shannon O’Brien Murphy; his children and their families, Shawna Murphy of Concord, California, Shane Murphy of Louisville, Colorado, and Barbara and Terry French of Lincoln; his and Shannon’s children and their families, Michael O’Brien of Sheridan, Wyoming, Jerome O’Brien of Big Arm, and Ryan O’Brien and Ashley Martinez of Dixon; 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and Jim’s three sisters and their families, Colleen and Robert Towe of Phoenix, Arizona, Moreen Murphy of Washington, DC, and Kathleen and Doug Porter of Billings.
Services have been held.
