James Murphy Obituary

It is that time of year we think of the party we would have. The Moose was a BIG part of those times. So much so that it is our memories of those times with our best friends remain unequaled. The times we will never forget because they were with the ones we will love and miss for eternity.

When I am reminded of the day we lost you, that empty feeling soon turns to thoughts of the TIMES WE HAD! It is true, no one lives forever but memories, those incredible memories last a life time. Thanks my friend for what you continue give all who knew and loved you.

All these years and we still remember. That's who you were and will always remain

When you think of Moose - you can't help but smile. We will miss him forever.

We met Moose, the gentle giant at Benny's here in New Orleans many years ago. I will never forget him putting me on his shoulders for a Mardi Gras parade because i was short and he wanted to make sure i caught something. He was always the sweetest, kindest person to everyone whether he knew you or not. He will be greatly missed. We are proud to say we knew him.
All our Love,
Kenny,Kerry and Katy Swafford

I AM VERY SADDEN TO MY DEAR FRIEND MOOSE HAS DIED. WE HAD GOOD TIMES IN NEW ORLEANS. BOSTON MOOSE

my memory of james is when he came into Lifesource Blood Services to donate his blood, he will be deeply missed by us at the oaklawn donor center. we send our deepest sympathy to his family.

Dear Moose, Your kindness to our family and hearty laughter will truly be missed by all of us. You were a loving uncle to all your nieces and nephews. Your sister Rosemary

Beth, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I have fond memories of times spent with you and your brother Moose. The summer picnic and going to see him waiting in line for the picnic permit are my favorites! Love, Barb

Moose, I worked in the department where Moose started his employment and on payday fridays it was always news to hear what kind of huge breakfast that he had that morning. I never heard a bad word from him and he always a kind word for everyone. May God watch over you.

To The Murphy's
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. May all the great memories you shared with "Moose" bring you comfort. Moose was quite the gentleman and friend. We had some great times with him on the Rock Island, OB Joes,
Parkwood , and Irish Temple. He had one of the best laughs ever. It was always fun to have him and Eileen Corley laughing at the same time. I was with Moose and Eileen Corley the day I met my husband. We went in for a quick drink(ha-had) to celebrate the arrival of my niece "Marie". That was a Friday the 13th I will always remember. Moose was one of a kind and will be greatly missed. He probably already has a fan club up in heaven.

Moose will be missed. My memories of his dedication to the ComEd softball team will always remain.

I will greatly miss you and the times we had in the old neighborhood. Growing up with you was one of the best memories I have of Chicago.

Dear family of "Moose", my deepest sympathy at the loss of this gentle giant, he is loved and will be missed. He has been entered in our prayer book at St.John the Baptist Church in Winfield, our entire parish will keep him and all of you in prayer. May the peace of our Lord be with all of you now during this difficult time and always.

Moose, you will be missed by the many, many friends that have been fortunate enough to know you. There is no doubt that you were moved to the front of the line at St Peter's Gate. It is your legacy.

Moose was one of the most caring and honest people I've known. Every New Year's I proudly told my friends about him-more than him waiting in line for the infamous "first picnic permit". He will be greatly missed. This is for you Moose--"Thank you!"

When asked about bringing dates to Mexico Moose always said, "You don't bring sand to the beach..." We got to bring the party down there with us every year, and it won't be the same without Moose. There were a lot of fun times and great memories, from the pool bar to the disco. Thanks for keeping an eye on us. We hope you brought your big cup with you for vodka sodas, and we'll save a seat on the banana boat for you.

-The Brannigans
Elyse, Shelly, Nick, Tim, Daiva and Kevin

I first met MOOSE on Nola.com Mardi Gras forum. Then in person at Johnny White's. I can honestly say I have never met a kinder, more caring person in my life. Calls every other weekend would be him asking how my daughter, husband or who or whatever concerned me at the time were doing. Such an easy laugh. Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest will never be the same. Mooseling's, your brother was one of a kind and will be deeply missed.
Terri(Masque) and Gary Blouin

We will miss you, Moose. Fishing, even though you never caught a fish. Calls that always started off with a joke instead of hello. Drinks at Tujague's, Harry's, Johnny White's or MRB's. Your Voice,"That's my name don't wear it out!". Mardi Gras, You running after Pack's float, Finding you so easily in the crowds on Bourbon Street.
Moose you will leave a void down here in New Orleans.
Love,
Gary and Liz Kinkella

I met Moose through is brother Bill. He was a fellow employee at Com Ed at one point and we would share greetings if we came across each other in the halls. I didn't know him very well, but what I did know was he was a good person in every sense.

Dear Murphy family. Please accept my deepest sympathy and prayers for your loss.

To: The Murphy Family,

I knew "Moose" from the General Accountng Dept. at ComEd and will always remember his "big laugh", his kindness, playing "Santa" at work and watching him each year on TV waiting to be first in line for the picnic permit. To say that I knew him is an honor and he has left so many of us with wonderful memories. He really did celebrate life. My deepest sympathies to all of his family and he will be in many of our prayers.

Sincerely,
Linda Naito

Maureen - So sorry about the loss of your brother. I was proud to say I knew him when his picture was in the paper or when he was on the newscast for being the first in line for the picnic permit. He was a very nice guy.

About Moose...I have so many good things to remember like...working with him at Edison for 17 years and being his next door apartment neighbor for 7 of those years. Moose dated my sister and the sister of a girlfriend. He went to St. Killians with another sister. Fun times with Moose I'll always remember... morning or afternoon breaks at Edison (downtown)...Sox games and McCuddy's afterwards...Hawks games...the Antler Dancer picnics... eating at strange restaurants on the east side...riding the Rock Island train...Moose playing Santa for my sisters kids...drinking at Parkwood...Moose protecting us while drinking at Parkwood...watching TV on New Years Eve to see Moose waiting for the first picnic permit.
Moose was always a gentleman, with a great sense of humor and some really great sayings. After not seeing him for awhile he would always remember to ask about my sisters and my family and how everyone was.
Moose, if I had known when I talked to you that last time at Jewel, that I wouldn't be seeing you or hearing from you again...I would have said a longer goodbye...
You were one of the good guys Moose and you will be missed...

We met moose thru Al about 30 years ago . he will be truly missed by everyone who knew him . Sincerely , Jack&June Colburn

To the family of Moose,

I met him through my brother Wally. He was one of the most caring and kind people you ever wanted to meet. Always there to help whenever asked. He will be missed by everyone who had the privilege to meet him. God Bless you all and him.

Good-bye and God Bless You,
my kind friend.
.
Please tell Al hello from the Krewe of Harry's Place and Tujague's.

al

we didnt share 38 mardi gras with you.the ones we did share will live in our hearts forever.

Moose, I miss you already. New Orleans will not be the same without you! May God bless you and hold you close. Love ya lots!

Of all the gifts that Benny gave me, sharing his Chicago friends was by far the best. Harry's Place isn't the same without Benny, and Mardi Gras won't be the same without Moose. In south Louisiana we know that every day in heaven is Mardi Gras Day. Moose, may you ride forever on the best float in the biggest parade. You will be greatly missed by your New Orleans friends.

I didn't know "Moose" but every year as I watched the news, I always looked for "Moose" to see if he was the first in line for the picnic permit! And as I watched the news this time, I was being informed of his passing. I was truly saddened.
I sure hope there's one big picnic waiting for him!
My condolences to the family.
Sincerely,
Nancy Center

Moose
You were my Sponser for the club (ADSC) were I meet you and the best bunch of guys in the world. The club changed my life and turned me into a better person, Thank you for that Moose and I hope were you are the beer is cold, the bar is full with freinds and the sun is always shinning.

Now he knows the plan and why.Mardi Gras will never be the same with out you and Al. The heart and soul of what we remember.

I cannot begin to recount all the great times I had with Moose way back when. Now,there will always be a White Sox and Notre Dame Winner and Mardi Gas every day.Rock'n'Roll Moose !!

Moose, your good nature, warm heart and family devotion will always be remembered.
Your loving sister, Maureen

My condolences to the Murph Family as well as Moose's friends. My prayers are with you.

The to Murphy Family:

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I cannot help but be reminded of the 'old days' of O.B. Joe's, Munchies, Irish Temple and the like where one would inevitably run into Moose at some time or another on any given weekend. For me, back in the days when I was a young single lady, I could always count on Moose to be the perfect gentleman and protector. He would never allow disrespect from any man to any lady in his presence. Of all the things people will remember about him, that for me was the most important. His loyalty and respect were unmatched.

Not a day went by over the course of many years when I would run into Moose on the Rock Island or somewhere downtown that I was not afforded a greeting. It was not in his nature to walk past someone he knew without saying something. He would always ask me how my sister, Terry, was and ask that I tell her hello as well.

And, oh, how I will miss that laugh! For me, Moose will always be remembered for his kindness, respect and genuine good heart. To say he will be sorely missed is an understatement!

Moose, just wanted to say that you always had a smile on your face and semmed so happy. I hope you are in no pain and there is a big Madri Gras in the heavens. Kathy (McCabe) Kamba

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

MOOSE WAS A DEAR FRIEND TO MY FAMILY.HE TREATED US LIKE WE WERE HIS OWN.HE WILL BE MISSED.