James Dean Murphy

James Dean Murphy of White Horse Village passed away on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at the age of 86, surrounded by his loving wife, Janet Hunsberger Murphy, and family.

Jim was born on August 9, 1934 in Kennett Square, PA to Elmer and Esther Pomraning Murphy. As a boy, “Jimmy” and his older brother Richard (Dick) Murphy spent many years helping their father and uncle in their family’s greenhouse flower business. Jim attended Kennett High School, where he captained the soccer and basketball teams. Jim also was a dedicated Boy Scout who achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.

Jim graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Lafayette College, Class of 1956.  He was Captain of the Lafayette soccer team and a member of the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity, where he met many of his lifelong friends. Jim met his beloved wife, Janet, during his time at Lafayette. They were married on October 27, 1956 in Royersford, PA.

Jim dedicated his entire career to Scott Paper Company and the people whom he led. After retirement, he worked as a lay assistant to the Bishop of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA).

He was an active member of Calvary Lutheran Church in West Chester, PA, where he served as President of the Church Council, sang in the choir, and knew, cared for and congregated with every member for decades. His deep faith brought him to church every Sunday up until the last month of his life.

Jim was an avid sports fan with a love of the Eagles, Phillies, Flyers, Premier League teams and Lafayette football. He especially loved attending his children and then later grandchildren’s sporting events and the kids and their teams loved when Mr. Murphy was there, as he brought the crowd cheering to a whole new level.

Jim never met a stranger - he introduced himself to everyone who crossed his path. 

Jim is survived by his wife, Janet, and his children Drew Murphy (Maria) and their children Emily and Ethan, of Mechanicsburg, PA; Jennifer Nahm (Marcel) and their children Eric, Gabriela and Julia, of Hershey, PA; and Cara Dunaway (Matt) and their children Ellie and Derek, of Castle Rock, CO; sister-in-law Janet F. Murphy of Castle Rock, CO and Tom (Kathy), Steve (Jill) and Nancy (Dan) Murphy and their children and grandchildren. Jim was predeceased by his older brother Richard (Dick).

His family meant the most to Jim and he cherished the times when the whole family could be together, most notably at the shore in Avalon. 

Relatives and Friends are invited to his visitation on Tuesday, June 8, 2021 from 10:00 am to 10:45 am followed by his Memorial Service at 11:00 am at Calvary Lutheran Church, 730 S. New Street, West Chester, PA 19382. Live streaming can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbX6tcc7jkOl0kFjD0B4Q-w 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Calvary Lutheran Church, 730 S. New Street, West Chester, PA 19382.

Arrangements by DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. West Chester, PA 610-696-1181