James W. Murphy

West Des Moines

James William “Billy” Murphy went home to the Lord on July 19, 2015. Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 23, 2015 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in West Des Moines with burial at Calvary Cemetery in Morris, MN. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at McLaren’s Chapel in West Des Moines with a rosary at 6:45 p.m.

Jim was born February 6, 1927 in Morris, MN to William and Mary (Dewane) Murphy. He was baptized and confirmed at Assumption Catholic Church in Morris, MN. Jim was very involved with the church in many aspects, especially the Knights of Columbus of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in West Des Moines.

Jim 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, Jim 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.

Jim attended country school, St. Mary’s school, and graduated high school from the West Central School of Agriculture in Morris in 1945. At the end of WWII, he was drafted into the Army where he served for two years. Jim 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.

Jim worked for Massey Ferguson, serving as a Regional Sales Manager in various locations throughout the Midwest for 33 years. Upon retirement from Massey, Jim sold real estate for Iowa Reality for 22 years until illness forced him to retire.

Jim 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. Jim 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.

“Uncle 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, Jim 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.

Jim/Bill will be missed by his sisters, Mary Ellen Montonye and Rosalys Weiler; sister-in-law, Genny Murphy; 24 nieces and 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; brothers, George and Raymond; and brothers-in-law, Paul Montonye and Maurice Weiler.

Memorials are preferred to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Assumption Catholic Church in Morris, MN, or the charity of your choice.