James Murphy passed away at home after a long illness on November 28, 2020, with his loving wife Sheila Murphy at his side. James was born and raised in Salem, MA.  He graduated Salem High School, class of 1975.  He was very active in his youth with Boy Scout Troop 24.  James had a passion for art and would frequently do pencil sketches.  He was awarded Associates Degrees in Human Services, Graphic Arts, and Desktop Printing from Northern Essex Community College.  Additionally, he studied Social Work at Salem State College.  James worked at several different jobs in the Medical and Human Services fields.  James had two great passions.  One being sports, specifically the New England Patriots, Boston Red Sox, and the Boston Bruins.  He would attend local games as well as travel with his good friends to see the Red Sox play in other cities' venues.  His second passion was music and attending concerts.  His greatest musical experiences were those where he saw bands that he had grown up listening to!

James leaves behind his loving and adoring wife, Sheila Murphy of Peabody MA, his son Richard Murphy and his wife Marie of Lawrence MA, his daughter Crystal(Murphy) Dixon and her husband, Moe of Bangor Maine, two grandchildren Gage Murphy and Natalie Murphy,  three sisters, Marion Tina of Salem, MA,  Marcia Stemmler and her husband Mark of Haverhill, MA, Carol Szczechowicz and her husband Shawn of Salem, MA, one brother Gregory Murphy and his wife Patricia of Annandale, Virginia, several nieces and nephews, Bridget, Kirsten, and Gretchen Stemmler of Haverhill, MA, and Holly and Andrew Szczechowicz of Salem, MA.
James was predeceased by his nephew, Brian Murphy.

Visiting Hours will be held at the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal Street, Salem, on Friday December 4, from 10 AM to 11 AM. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of James to the Jimmy Fund, http://www.jimmyfund.org For more information or online guestbook please call 978-744-0497 or visit www.murphyfuneralhome.com .