James J. Murphy

James J. Murphy, 88, of New Britain Borough died peacefully on Thursday, November 30, 2017. Jim is survived by his wife of 61 years Mary (Moran), their four children Maryellen McCann (James), Dennis (Bernadette), James (Patricia) and Colleen Pond (James), 15 grandchildren and 8 siblings.

Jim grew up in the Germantown section of Philadelphia he came from a large family the eldest of nine children. His parents were John and Rose.

Jim graduated from North East Catholic high school in 1947, Graduating seventh in his class with honors. Upon graduation from North Jim accepted a position with the Reading Railroad, later Conrail, His keen aptitude provided him upward mobility within the railroad. Jim was especially proud of service to our country. Early into his career at the railroad. Jim enlisted in our National Guard. He was selected and graduated from officers training school in Fort Sill Oklahoma, receiving his honorable discharge papers in 1955.

Jim spent his entire career with the railroad, eventually retiring 43 years later as a senior computer analyst programmer. Jim met the love of his life Mary, at the Immaculate Conception Monday evening novena. Jim and Mary were married in 1957 and started their journey together. They purchased their first home in West Oak Lane and started their family. They had four children, Maryellen, Dennis, Jimmy, and Colleen. Eventually they moved to the Rolling hills of Bucks County settling down in New Britain. Jim and Mary became active parishioners in a newly built Parish, Saint Jude. They enrolled their children in the parish school and volunteered in many school activities. Jim always kept busy working at the railroad, part-time jobs and volunteering. He coached many youth sports for Lenape Valley. He regularly took his team to the Pit-catcher for an ice cream and a pep talk he often commented that “his players enjoyed his pep talk”

Jim and Mary eventually became empty-nesters. To stay busy and active, Jim took a position as a driver for New Seasons Retirement Village. He enjoyed conversations with the people he was entrusted to transport. Sometimes he would invite Mary to join him as he drove seniors around Bucks County. Mary would comment that “Jim’s driving was so-so and she would notice that several seniors were not listening to Jim’s in depth conversations”.

In his final years, He enjoyed being home with Mary and visiting with his brothers and sisters, children and grandchildren. Jim totally embraced his Catholic faith by following the keys to Heaven, confession, Mass and the Rosary.

In his final days, one could tell that he was prepared and ready. He was an ordinary guy who was consistent and did the right things right.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate his Funeral Mass, 11 AM, Tuesday, December 5, 2017 at St. Jude Church, 321 West Butler Ave., Chalfont, PA where his viewing will begin at 10 AM. Interment will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to St. Jude Building Fund at the above address.