James Anthony Murphy, Jr. of Dartmouth, MA, died on May 4, 2017 at the age of 83 after a period of declining health.
Jim is survived by his wife of 57 years, Charlotte (née Messier) of Fall River and Westport and four daughters and their partners: Catherine Maltais and husband Peter, of Taunton, MA; Elizabeth Wilcox and Partner Steven Arnold, of Dartmouth, MA; Jennifer Murphy, of Dartmouth, MA; and Rebecca Murphy and husband Jozef Kluczkiewicz, of Salem, MA. As well as four grandchildren: James Maltais and his wife Lindsay, of Taunton, MA; Jessica Shaffer, of Dartmouth, MA; Andrew Maltais, of Taunton, MA; and Henry Wilcox, of Dartmouth, MA. And one great-granddaughter, Ayva Yarde, of Dartmouth, MA.
Born April 26, 1934 in New Bedford, MA to James Anthony Murphy, Sr. and Hazel (née Ricketson) Murphy, both of New Bedford. Jim is also survived by his three brothers: Robert Murphy, of Baltimore, MD; John Murphy, of New Bedford, MA; and Edward Murphy, whereabouts unknown.
Employed as a civil Engineer by the state of Massachusetts for 28 years, Jim was also a volunteer fireman and EMT for the District 2 Station since moving to South Dartmouth 60 years ago. After his retirement, he enjoyed acting as a docent for the New Bedford Whaling Museum for 12 years and working with the RJD on their bee program for children. Jim kept his own apiary and sold “Horseneck Honey” for over 10 years.
A Dartmouth Grange-162 member for 50 years and an Allen’s Neck Friends Meeting member for the past 25 years. Jim greatly enjoyed living and drinking coffee in a neighborhood of friends.
An avid reader of science fiction, Civil War history, and the Irish Sports Page, Jim taught himself the autoharp, and had active interests in genealogy, fishing, chocolate, model ship building, beach-gazing, bridge, ice cream, and most especially naps - which he took as often as possible.
He was a grudging home repair man, but enjoyed mowing the lawn and occasionally some of Charlotte’s flowers. Jim was an army veteran.
A memorial is scheduled for Sunday, May 14 at 2 P.M. at Allen’s Neck Friends Meeting House, 739 Horseneck Rd, South Dartmouth, MA. All are invited to attend. Green burial is private.
Donations to Allen’s Neck Friends Meeting, active for over 250 years, should be sent to Dawn Stopka @ 892 Division Road, Dartmouth, MA 02748.