James "Jim" Murphy

James A. "Jim" Murphy, 91, Graceville, MN, passed away Friday, May 28, 2021, at Sanford Wheaton Hospital in Wheaton, MN.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, June 4, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Graceville. Visitation will be Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the church. Inurnment will be in the Graceville Consolidated Cemetery.

The Funeral Mass will be livestreamed on the Eggers Funeral Home Facebook page.

James Arthur Murphy was born October 1, 1929, to Edward and Martina (Ehrnst) Murphy in Graceville, MN. He was confirmed at St. Barnabas Catholic Church in Barry, MN. He attended school in Graceville, graduating from Graceville High School in 1947. After finishing school, he became a traveling magazine salesman where he won awards for selling magazines. In 1951, Jim bought a John Deere A tractor and a 3-bottom plow, and he returned to Barry to farm.

On September 1, 1954, Jim was united in marriage to Nancy Arens at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Dumont, MN. They made their home on a farm north of Barry where they raised eight children. Jim also custom combined in the mid to late '50s and then became a full-time farmer until his retirement in 1991.

Jim was a member of the school board, church board, and elevator board. His favorite pastimes were golfing, gardening, and fishing. He also enjoyed going to antique auctions and watching golf and old Westerns on TV. Jim and Nancy enjoyed trips to visit family in Arizona, Florida, and Texas. A trip to Ireland for their 25 ^th anniversary was an especially good memory. Above all, Jim enjoyed spending time with his family and grandkids.

Survivors include his children: Daniel Murphy of Naples, FL; John "Jack" (Mitzy) Murphy of Graceville, MN; Connie (Dean) Mikkelson of Sioux Falls, SD; Gerald (Julie) Murphy of Beardsley, MN; Judy (Greg Bunce) Murphy of Mesa, AZ; and Joseph (Katie) Murphy of Graceville, MN; daughter-in-law, Kim Simonson; 22 grandchildren; brother, Pat; along with many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy; parents; sons: Donald and Charles; and grandson, Shawn.

Blessed be the memory of Jim Murphy.