James Dickerson Murphy

He was born on May 11, 1926, in Milford, Delaware, the son of the late Mabel and Eugene Murphy. He was the youngest of seven siblings.

He graduated from Milford High School in 1944 and later from Johns Hopkins University.

He served in the U.S. Army during World War II as an M1 155mm “Long Tom” field gun crew member. He received a Purple Heart for wounds suffered in combat in Italy. After his discharge, he was employed by the Glenn L. Martin Company in Middle River, Maryland as an aircraft engineer before moving to Alexandria, Virginia, retiring in 1991 from Radian Inc. as the company’s president and CEO.

He owned a 1957E Thunderbird and was a member of the Potomac Classic Thunderbird Club. He enjoyed driving his T-Bird in numerous parades in Alexandria and the District of Columbia. He was also a long-time fan of the Baltimore Orioles and attended many games with family and friends. He was a gifted amateur photographer taking several family wedding photographs over the years. He has been described as a charming gentleman with a good sense of humor and fun to be with. He was a loving son, and a friend to many.

He is survived by his sister-in-law Jean Murphy of Milford, Delaware; niece Mary Ann Loynds and Robert Loynds, niece Dana Shiflett and James Shiflett, both of Elkton, Maryland; niece Phyllis Fleischmann and Thomas Fleischmann of Lancaster, Pennsylvania; niece Patricia Stanczyc and Frank Stanczyc of Kennebunk, Maine, nephew Edward Murphy of South Portland, Maine; nephew Steven Murphy and Lori Murphy, of Falls Church, Virginia; nephew Patrick Murphy and Marissa Murphy, of Orange City, Florida; and James Wroten and Pamela Wroten of Arlington, Virginia. He is also survived by 17 grand nieces and nephews and 18 great-grand nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father; sisters Frances Conway and Evelyn Wroten; brothers Gilbert, Eugene, and Edward Murphy; and nephew Gilbert Murphy.

At his request, no service will be held. In lieu of flowers, please send a contribution to your favorite charity.