Obituary of James Murphy

Murphy, James Raymond "Jim" Age 88, of Plainfield, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on May 7, 2013. Born in Elwood on February 23, 1925 to the late John and Louise (Fitzpatrick) Murphy. A U.S. Army veteran, he served during WWII. Jim worked as a self-employed excavator. Member of Operating Engineers Local 150 for 40 years. In his younger years, he loved to hunt and fish. He loved his summer house on the Kankakee river and enjoyed boating. In his later years, he loved to spend the winters in Florida with his wife, Mary. Most of all, he loved his family, he loved having the family over for fish fries and bonfires in the back yard. James is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Mary (nee Voitik) Murphy; one sister, Mary Shroba; two sisters-in-law, Josephine and Ethel Murphy; children, Patti, Michael (Debbie), Richard (Sue), Irene, James Joseph and Rosemarie Wilkinson; 18 grandchildren, Stephen, Adam, Matthew, Murphy, Ben and Becky Mahalik, Sarah Sicinski, Laura Gira, Kelli Marlo, Teresa Jones, Katie Murphy, Shannon and Brandon Murphy, James R., Jonathan and Catie Murphy, Alyssa and Andrew Wilkinson; seven great-grandchildren, Matthew and Raegan Mahalik, Sammy and Simon Sicinski, Collin Gira, Caden Marlo, and Charlotte Jones; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, William, John "Jack" (late Helen), and Joseph Murphy; three sisters, Irene and Peggy Murphy, and Lucille (late Andrew) Chiazza. Funeral Services for James R. Murphy will be Monday, May 13, 2013 at 9:30 a.m. from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet to St. Mary Immaculate Catholic Church for Mass at 10:30 a.m. Interment Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name to Vitas Hospice would be appreciated. Visitation Sunday 3-7 p.m. at the funeral home. For more information: 815-741-5500 or www.fredcdames.com