July 27, 1932 – February 19, 2013
at the age of 80 years
Lovingly remembered by his loving wife of 52 years (Nell) Eleanor, his son W. James (Dolly) Murphy of Surrey, daughter Susan (Jags) Murphy-Brown, granddaughter Khataya Brown, of Haida Gwaii, sister Patsy Shierman of Sundre, Alberta and cousins in Alberta and Ireland as well as nieces and nephews including Penny and David Richardson of Tlell, BC.
Jim was born and ranched in High River, Alberta where he met is wife Nell and they had their two children. He and Nell moved to Courtenay, BC in 1966 where he was a heavy duty mechanic for Crown Zellerbach, then they moved to Kokish and then to Sandspit where he was a Master Mechanic.
Jim and his partner beachcombed at Sandspit for a few years and then purchased the Sandspit Motoring garage.
In 1977 the family moved to Tappen, BC where Jim worked for the Dept. of Highways and enjoyed raising cattle. It was there in 1984, Jim fulfilled his lifelong dream of getting a plane and his private pilots license at age 52.
In 1993 Jim and Nell retired to the Queen Charlotte Islands and had a great time fishing and exploring the islands with family and friends and his ever present dogs Micky and Duffy.
Jim also worked for 12 years for the Commissionaires, guarding at the detachment in Queen Charlotte and at the hospital.
They moved back to Salmon Arm two years ago. At Jim’s and the family’s request, their will be no funeral service. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to the Piccadilly Care Centre, SPCA or Queen Charlotte Hospital.
You suffered much in silence
Your spirit did not bend
You faced your pain with courage
until the very end
You tried so hard to stay with us
Your fight was all in vain
God took you to his loving arms,
and freed you from all pain
you didn’t deserve what you’ve been through
and so He gave you rest
And by the way you lived your life
We have been richly blessed
I will always remember Jim Sr, as one of the kindest and gentlest of men. With his ever ready advice, given with a twinkle in his eye and a smile. My heart goes out to all the family.