James R. Murphy, 88, passed away in Bridgeport, Illinois on February 26, 2021. James, or Jim as he was known to most, was born in Richland County on July 6, 1932 to James R. Murphy and Mildred (Madden) Murphy Conour, and grew up in Claremont, IL.

He liked to talk about growing up in Claremont and about learning to hunt, running the fields, helping with the garden and the trouble he would get in with his siblings. He learned to love baseball at an early age and enjoyed playing the game, even playing on a team when he was in the Army. He continued his love of baseball by coaching Little League and Babe Ruth when his sons were old enough to play. He also loved his Chicago Cubbies and was elated when they won the World Series. He often talked about the love of music in his family growing up and loved to sing. He learned how to play the guitar so that he could accompany himself singing.

Jim served during the Korean War and told stories of his time in Korea. He was a communications specialist and was proud of the fact that he set up the communications from the front lines to General MacArthur and kept lines repaired.

Jim knew most of the farmers in the area as he worked for Lathrop’s Feed Store for many years. He eventually left there and went to work for Marathon Oil from which he retired.

Jim was very active in the community serving as a volunteer fireman and Fire Chief of the Bridgeport Fire Department. He was elected to the Unit 10 school board and served as President for a time. During his time on the school board, Jim helped to bring remedial education to the schools. He was also a member of the American Legion, Moose, and VFW.

As a young man, Jim married Patricia Lathrop. Before she passed away, they enjoyed raising their five children together. After Pat passed away, he married his current wife Rae, and she survives.

He is survived by his wife, Rae Murphy; four children, Mickey Murphy, Brenda Daugherty and husband Randy, Cheryl Wheland and husband Leonard, and Jay Murphy and wife Paula; three Bonus children, Janet Wirth and husband Lyman, Rick Davis and wife Bobbie, and Judy Torok and husband Tim; a son-in-law, Rick Talley; one brother, Terry Conour and wife Georgia; and a sister-in-law, Carol Murphy and several step-children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents,  James R. Murphy and Mildred Madden Murphy Conour; his step-father, Willard Conour; first wife, Patricia Murphy; a sister and brother-in-law, Patsy and Charles Tucker; one brother, Robert Murphy; a daughter-in-law, Jerri Murphy and a Bonus daughter, Barbara Talley.

With certainty, Jim is smiling down on all of us while he sings and tends to the Lord’s garden…and still watching over his beloved Cubbies.

As per Jim’s wishes, cremation will take place. Burial of Jim’s ashes will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 6, 2021 in Sumner Cemetery.

Cunningham Funeral Home, Bridgeport, IL - March 2, 2021