‘Councillor always championed his Ely constituents’
TRIBUTES have been paid to Cardiff councillor Jim Murphy, who passed away on Saturday morning, December 1, following a long and courageous battle with significant health issues.
The 72 year old, who worked at Allied Steel and Wire before becoming a Labour councillor, was elected in 2012 to represent the Ely ward where he played an active role in the community serving as a school governor at Hywel Dda and Windsor Clive primary schools.
Leader of Cardiff council Councillor Huw Thomas said: “It is with great sadness that I learned that Cllr Jim Murphy passed away after courageously fighting significant health issues over the past 18 months.
“Our deepest sympathies go to his wife Jeanette and to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
“Jim was a true family man, an ambassador for his community and a dedicated local councillor for Ely.
“Since he was elected to council in 2012, he played a very active role in the community and his passion for the job and the people he served shone through in everything he did.
“I know his fellow ward councillors Susan Goddard and Russell Goodway, who worked alongside Jim for many years, have been deeply affected by his loss too.”
Cllr Murphy’s dedication to his work saw him sit on seven council committees.
He served as Chairman of the Appeal Committee; Deputy Chairman of both the Licensing and Public Protection Committee; as a member of the Policy, Performance and Review Committee; as a member of the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee; as a member of the Democratic Services Committee and as a member on the Planning Committee.
Leader of the Conservative group Cllr Adrian Robson said: “The Conservative group were truly saddened to hear of Jim’s passing.
“Many members were good friends with Jim as he sat on so many Council committees.
“He always championed his Ely constituents and was more interested in working for them and Cardiff’s citizens than scoring political points.
“He was much respected and will be missed across the chamber.”
Leader of the Liberal Democrat group, Cllr Joe Boyle said: “Jim never wanted the limelight for himself, only for those he worked so hard to represent. Those who had the good fortune to know him will remember Jim for his commitment, especially to his ward, for his friendliness and for his kindness.”
Leader of the Plaid Cymru group, Cllr Keith Parry, said: “The Plaid Cymru group were very sorry to hear of the sad news that Jim has passed away. He was a very well respected and liked councillor in his ward and he made a significant contribution to the city.”
Cllr Murphy’s funeral will take place at 10.45am, on Monday, December 17, at St David’s Church, Cowbridge Road West.