MURPHY, James Richard , 89, of Wellsburg, W.Va., passed away April 16, 2012, in Wheeling, W.Va.
He was born Dec. 12, 1922, in Yellow (Springs) Ohio, to the late Archibald and Minnie Murdock Murphy.
He was a graduate of Smithville High School. In 1941 he attended the University of Cincinnati and played football during 1941 and 1942. In 1943, he went to the U.S. Coast Guard for military service active sea duty during World War II.
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In 1946, he returned home from active duty and became president and CEO of his family business, A. Murphy Construction Co. He presided over numerous heavy industry construction projects in the Ohio Valley and in North Carolina, and after 63 years as acting president and CEO he retired in 2001 at the age of 79. He served as president and CEO of Murphy Fabricating and Erection Co., and president and CEO of the of the Desco Inc.
He served as a board of directors member of Brooke Hills Association for 40 years; board of director member for Advance Federal Savings & Loan for also 40 years; Osiris Shrine, Royal order of Jesters, he was a 32nd degree Mason; American Legion of Honor; Wellsburg Republican Party; Brooke County Elks; the Brooke County Veterans of Foreign War (VFW); Loyal Order of the Moose; American Legion; Bethany Masonic Lodge 69, AF&AM; and board member of the Franklin United Methodist Church.
He currently attended the Wellsburg Christian Church, and is a supporter of many Brooke County community projects and youth programs through his lifetime.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded by his three sisters, Francis McGrogan, Patricia Culp, and Louise Cole.
He is survived by his wife, Eileen Murphy whom he married in 1952; four daughters, Penny Elliott (Dave) of Wellsburg, Jean Holloway (Pete) of Wheeling, W.Va., Jan Baker (Jeff), Wellsburg, and Claire Maple (Leslie), East Springfield, Ohio; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Reasner Funeral Home, 1515 Charles St., Wellsburg.
A private funeral service will be held at the request of the family. Interment will be at Franklin cemetery.
The family would like to express our gratitude to the staff at Valley Hospice and Liza's Place, for it is truly a slice of heaven.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Valley Hospice, 308 Mount St. Joseph Road, Wheeling, W.Va. 26003.
Condolences to the family at ReasnerofWellsburg.com
