James 'Jim' Thomas Murphy Obituary (1929 - 2015)

James “Jim” Thomas Murphy, 86, Seward, Illinois died at 10:30 p.m., Tuesday, December 15, 2015 surrounded by his family. Born February 24, 1929 in Seward, Illinois the son of Thomas and Irene Murphy. He attended Seward Grade School and Leaf River High School. Jim married the love of his life, Colleen Armour on October 4, 1952 and together they spent their entire lives farming on land Jim’s grandparents from Ireland settled on in the late 1800’s. Jim enjoyed telling stories, spending time with his family, friends and neighbors. He was always willing to help anyone in any way that was needed. He was truly dedicated to his family and friends and made many sacrifices throughout his life for others. Jim will long be remembered as a servant of hard work and kindness. He was a faithful member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Pecatonica, Illinois. From the time he was a young boy and throughout his entire adult life, Jim helped take care of St. Thomas Catholic Cemetery outside of Seward, Illinois where many of his relatives are buried. Special thanks to Dr. Jon Strutzenberg and staff, Rockford Memorial Hospital staff and especially Dr. Qassem and nurse’s Matthew and Alexia. Jim is lovingly survived by his three children, Teresa (Kenny) Day, Rita (Brad) Metcalf and Robert Murphy; grandchildren Matthew Day, Ryan (Tamara) Day, Kathleen (Michael) Harget, Brian (Lindsay) Metcalf and Christopher Metcalf; great grandchildren Katelynn Frazier, Alexis Day, Mason Day and Lucas Day; sisters Patricia Fisher and Mary (Wayne) Heater; sisters-in-law Laverne Armour, Hazel (Melvin) Slusher and Sue (Leon) Day and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Colleen, sisters Kathryn Jilek, Colleen Woods and Ann Murphy; mother and father-in-law Chester and Meredith Armour; sisters-in-law Imogene Stanley and Bonnie Walker, brothers-in-law David Fisher, John Jilek, Richard Woods, George Stanley, Jimmy Walker and Bill Armour, nieces Sherry Radke and Maureen Widmer and nephews Terry Armour and Edward Jilek. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, December 21, 2015 in St. Mary Catholic Church, 126 West Fifth Street, Pecatonica, Illinois with Msgr. Robert Sweeney officiating. Burial will be in St. Thomas Catholic Cemetery, Seward, Illinois. Visitation will be held at McCorkle Funeral Home-Pecatonica Chapel, 203 W Fifth Street, Pecatonica, Illinois from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., Sunday, December 20 with a scripture service to be held at 7:45 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Thomas Catholic Cemetery, c/o St. Mary Catholic Church, 126 W Fifth Street, Pecatonica, Illinois.