James Murphy

SOUTH PORTLAND — James F. Murphy, 75, died on Wednesday, June 27, 2018. He recently celebrated his 75th birthday.

He was born on April 29, 1943, to Persis (Jefferson) and Harold M. Murphy in Portsmouth, N.H. while Harold was stationed at the Navy yard. Tragically, Harold, a test pilot, died in a plane crash, in 1949. Penny and Jim came back home to North Sebago. She married Chester Cutting in 1951. He filled in ably as stepfather, introducing Jim to the wonders of the Maine outdoors. Jim bagged his first deer when he was 11 and sometimes arrived at elementary school by boat. Jim learned to sail on Sebago Lake and later it became his favorite pastime. His sail to Bermuda was a treasured memory. North Sebago was always home. Jim attended Potter Academy and graduated from Orono. He had a successful business career in Mass.

Jim married twice, first to Linda J. Wood and they had three sons, Ben, Sean and Eric. Second, he married Anne M. Smith and they had one son Peter. Jim had five grandchildren. For the last few years, Jim resided at Avita of Stroudwater, a memory care facility.

This is what Ben had to say about his dad: “He was a great father and by far, the smartest guy I knew. I can’t ever remember asking him a question that he didn’t know the answer to. Not a day goes by that I don’t do or say or think something that he taught me. Hard to believe we lost him within eight months of losing our mom. Rest in Peace Dad, I love you.” And so do other family and friends who were fortunate to know him.

Online condolences may be left for the family at hallfuneralhome.net