James Robert Murphy

Jim was the third of four children born to Frank and Doris Murphy in Brooklyn, New York in 1956. His father worked as a New York City police officer and his mother stayed at home to raise their four children; Dan, Cathy, Jim and Rob. He spent most of his childhood in Staten Island before moving to Clearwater, Florida and attending Clearwater Central Catholic High School.

After graduation he took his motorcycle on a cross-country road trip around the United States. He then returned to Clearwater and married his high school sweetheart Kathy Herman in 1976. They were both Fleetwood Mac fans and soon welcomed the first of two daughters, Rhiannon. Shortly after Rhiannon was born, Jim attended Fire College and was hired by Dunedin Fire Department in 1979. He spent several years assisting the residents of Dunedin before advancing to lieutenant. He would remain in this position until retiring after 30 years of service. He also installed sprinkler and irrigation systems as a part-time job to help provide for his family.

Jim enjoyed all outdoor activities; camping, fishing, boating, kayaking, golfing, hiking. If it occurred outside, it was likely something he would take part in. Jim always had a special love for Mount Everest. He would read books about the expeditions and watch documentaries about the highest mountain on earth. Shortly before retirement in April 2008, he fulfilled a lifelong dream and hiked just beyond Kalapattar and the base camp of Mount Everest with a fellow firefighter and longtime friend Kat. He also had the much appreciated opportunity to go on an Alaskan cruise with many of his family members during a family reunion.

Jim was a quiet and gentle soul, who at the prime of his life in 2011 was told he had an inoperable brain tumor. This was a shock to all who knew him; however, for Jim he handled this news with grace and dignity. After surgery to remove what they could, followed by radiation and chemotherapy, Jim had four wonderful years. He did not waste any of this time and spent as much time as he could with his grandchildren Ethan, Noah, and Payton, as well as other family members and many of his great friends. He would have loved to spend time with his other grandson Nickolas, whom he also cherished dearly, but was unable. Jim spent lots of time kayaking, attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and woodworking in his garage. Jim followed in his own father’s footsteps and made many beautiful and unique wooden items for his family and friends to treasure always.

When the doctors told him that his tumor had begun to grow much more aggressively and he would have approximately 3 months, he again amazed us all and said “Do not feel sad, I have lived a wonderful life and done so many things that other’s dream about.” For all of us who surrounded him during this time, we were utterly amazed at his strength. He maintained a positive attitude and no matter what the obstacle, he would say, “such as life” and” it’s all good.” He continued with his traditions of crossword puzzles, listening to music, and of course; nightly episodes of Seinfeld, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. Days were spent with visits from his brother-in-law, John and many other friends and family. Jim very peacefully passed away on August 4, 2015, in his home in the company of his daughter Rhiannon and former spouse Kathy.

As one of his friends perfectly expressed; “Jim was a well respected man of quiet grace who stood out without shouting.” He was a wonderful father, grandfather, brother, in-law, cousin and friend. He will be forever missed.