James “Jim” Murphy

Jim was born in Barnacullia - a small village located at the side of the mountains in Dublin, to Peter and Ethel (Cosgrave) Murphy.

His family were well known in the area and operated a number of granite quarries - which still operate to this day. On his 18th birthday Jim emigrated to Canada. There he worked in Toronto for two years constructing Canada’s first subway. Jim played Rugby even playing in a match that was nationally televised. He made his way to Chicago where he was drafted into the U.S. Army serving 22 months in Korea. Jim was discharged through Fort Ord, California where he discovered the beauty of the Bay Area and the great weather. He returned to Chicago, packed up his things and drove back to San Francisco.

Jim met the love of his life Marge at a dance at the Carousel Ballroom. Married for 57 years, they raised their three children in the Sunset District. Jim worked in the San Francisco construction industry as a Carpenter and Foreman for the next 40 years including projects in the greater Bay Area for Kaiser Permanente Hospitals. He was a proud member of the Carpenters Union Local 22.

Throughout his life Jim and Marge kept in touch with their Irish heritage and families and traveled many times to Ireland, Canada and Pennsylvania.

Jim was a member of St. Gabriel parish for 55 years and was active in the men’s club and coached Jimmy’s soccer team. He was an avid sports fan, especially horse racing, and his favorite trip with Marge was to the Kentucky Derby.

Jim leaves behind his loving and devoted wife Marge and their loving children Maureen (Mark Wiltse), James (Bonnie), Jennifer (Steven Burk). His grandchildren Sonya Camille and Sean (Bonnie and James’ kids) who adored their “pop-pop”. And his faithful pup Hank. Jim is survived by his beloved sisters: Emily White and Gemma Somers (Ian) of Canada and Pauline Tonery (PJ) and Clare Kennedy (James) of Ireland, his sisters-in-law Mary Gold and Kate McGinty. Along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He passed from his body peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones. He will never pass from our hearts.

Friends may visit from 10am to 11am on Monday, December 27th at St. Gabriel Church 2559 40th Ave. San Francisco where a Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11am. Jim will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma.