James M. Murphy, of Fort Mill, South Carolina, passed away on July 5, 2026.

Born on May 18, 1935, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, James was the son of the late Edward Murphy and Cecilia Ahearn Murphy. He grew up in Massachusetts and later made his home in Lexington, where he and his wife, Dorothy, built a life rooted in love, family, and community. After many years in Lexington, James and Dorothy eventually settled in Fort Mill, South Carolina.

James was the beloved husband of Dorothy Frances Stack, with whom he shared 65 years of marriage—a partnership defined by devotion, steadiness, and deep affection. He was a proud and loving father, grandfather, and great‑grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy; his sister, Kathleen Holmes (Arthur); his children, Cheryl Murphy, James Murphy Jr., and Stephen Murphy (Carrie); his grandchildren, Brittany Murphy Skyles and Connor Joseph Murphy; and three great‑grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his son, Joseph Murphy, and by his siblings: Edward Murphy (Eileen) of Yarmouth, Massachusetts; Richard Murphy (Dottie) of Warwick, Rhode Island; Peggy Letteri (Larry) of Arlington, Massachusetts; and Mary Batts (John) of Wayland, Massachusetts. 

Above all, James’s life was centered around his family. The life he built with Dorothy, the children they raised together, and the generations that followed stand as his enduring legacy. His steady presence, quiet strength, and unwavering love will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew him.