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Rev. James G. Murphy, O.S.A. (1927-1978)

Rev. James G. Murphy, O.S.A. entered eternal life November 21, 1978.

James Gerald Murphy was born October 11, 1927 in Clinton, Iowa to Leo C. and Agnes H. (Brickley) Murphy. He was Baptized October 23, 1927 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Clinton.

After his family moved to Chicago, James received his elementary education at St. Rita Grade School, Chicago, from 1933 to 1942. He studied for three years at St. Rita High School, Chicago, and then entered the Augustinian program of formation at Agustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York, for his Senior Year. Augustinian Academy granted him a diploma in 1946.

He was received into the Augustinian Novitiate in September, 1946. He professed vows in the Order of St. Augustine September 10, 1947.

He earned a B.A. in Philosophy from Villanova College, Villanova, Pennssylvania, in 1951. He also received an M. S. in Library Science from Villanova. He pursued theological studies from 1951 to 1955 at Augustinian College, Washington, D.C. He was ordained a Priest in 1954.

Father Murphy taught at St. Thomas High School, Rockford, Illinois, from 1955 to 1959. He was assigned to St. Rita High School, Chicago, as a Teacher in 1959. In 1961 he was transferred to Mendel Catholic High School, Chicago, as a Teacher.

In 1962 Father Murphy was assigned to Augustinian Academy, St. Louis, Missouri, where he served as Teacher, Librarian, and Procurator (business manager) until 1972. He then returned to St. Rita High School, Chicago, where he was Teacher, Chaplain and Sub-Prior (assistant superior) of the Augustinian community.

He died November 21, 1978 of complications from lupus, a disease which he had battled for several years.

Father Murphy is remembered as an understanding listener and a wise counselor.

He is buried in the Augustinian plot at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Alsip, Illinois.

Memorial gifts may be made to Augustinian Guild, Tolentine Center, 20300 Governors Hwy., Olympia Fields, IL 60461-1081.