James Murphy

James P. Murphy 74, of Exeter, passed away peacefully on Thursday November 23, 2017. He was born on June 5, 1943 in Worchester, Massachusetts to Charles and Elizabeth (O'Neil) Murphy.

Jim attended Commerce Regional High School, Worchester, MA. He then worked at Pierce Leather for a few years. He went into the Army in 1965 and was trained in Morse Code. He was honorably discharged to support his sisters and his mother, as he was the only son. He returned to Pierce Leather as a supervisor of the factory and worked there until it closed in the early 80s. After a couple of years in another leather factory, he went into business for himself, cleaning windows and painting. He ran his business for several years before taking some time off to care for his 3 kids. Once they were grown, he returned to painting.

Jim was an avid fly-fisherman, using flies that he tied himself. He could often be found at the kitchen table tying them. He did this for numerous years. But, he mostly enjoyed spending time with his kids. He created numerous traditions that he shared with his children, such as Deerfield Fair, picnicking and crab hunting at Odiorne Point, making big Thanksgiving meals, and lots of Christmas presents. He could be found in the kitchen creating some sort of masterpiece. Mooseturd (his version of shepherd's pie), Hoppin John, and his warm cheese bread were among the favorites and most frequently requested. He was quite talented at the acoustic guitar and had a passion for music. He loved fingerpicking the strings to the tune of Harvey Reid while sitting in the living room. As a young boy, he enjoyed building model cars and airplanes.

Jim is survived by his 3 children, Dorienne Grasso of Exeter, Jennifer Murphy of Somersworth, and John Murphy of Exeter; his 2 sisters, Patricia Bolten of Hayden, Co and Elizabeth Griswold of Kingston; his grandchildren, Kyra Grasso, Austin Piche, Nolan Murphy, Ian Murphy, Savanna Grasso, Zoey Jones, Megan Murphy, and Autumn Murphy; and his nieces and nephew, Kendl Vance, Theresa Hahn, Mathew Bolton, and Baileigh Bolton.

A gathering will be held by the Cremation Society of New Hampshire located at 172 King St. Boscawen, NH 03303, on Wednesday November 29, 2017 at 11 AM. A memorial service will follow at 12 PM. Family will be following immediately with internment at the New Hampshire State Veteran Cemetery with military honors at 1 PM. All are invited to attend. There will be a reception following the services at The Father's Family Church at 94 Linden Street, Exeter

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Purple Heart Association, the Wounded Warriors or an organization to benefit veterans.