James H. Murphy

James H. Murphy, Ret. Lt. Col.
A Life of Service

WAKEFIELD: James H. Murphy, age 88, a Wakefield resident for 46 years and a Wakefield educator for 35 years, died on April 10, 2025 at Winchester Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, comforted and surrounded by his loving family. Jim was the only child of John J. and Clarice (Herbert) Murphy of Oak Island, Revere. Jim often reminisced about his youth spent at the magical Revere Beach in the 1940’s and ‘50’s.

He is survived by his cherished soulmate of over 47 years, Sara; his beloved daughter, Kathleen, and his devoted son-in-law, Edward Evarts of Wakefield; and his adored granddaughters, Sara Evarts (Abby) and Caroline Sellers (Dylan). He is also survived by three sisters-in-laws, Christina Mattimore, Ann Cahill, and Katherine Cahill Gibson; and close cousins, Jane Landry (Paul) and Beth Murphy (David) and their families. He was predeceased by his sister-in-law, Johanna Murphy and her husband, John; and his brothers-in-law, Peter and David Cahill and Timothy Mattimore. Jim was also predeceased by his first wife, Wanda Cunha Murphy. Jim leaves cousins Ann Landers and Marjorie Kilroy; many beloved nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces and nephews; and an extensive family in New Zealand.

Jim graduated from Revere High School in 1954, and cum laude from Salem State College in 1958, with a BS in Science and Math. He started teaching Science at Wakefield Junior High School in September of 1958. As a recipient of a National Science Foundation grant, Jim received his Master’s degree (ED., Chemistry) from the University of Pennsylvania in 1963.

When he returned, he was then transferred to Wakefield High School to teach Chemistry. In all, Jim served 35 years in Wakefield, both as a teacher and Science Department Chairperson. Jim loved Wakefield and was actively involved in many activities in town. He was an elected member of the Wakefield Municipal Gas and Light Department Commissioners for 24 consecutive years (1981-2005), and a member of the Wakefield/Lynnfield Elks’ Scholarship Committee for 40 years (1980 – 2020). Jim was also a member of the Crystal Community Club for many years.

Having been associated with The Friends of Lake Quannapowitt for 30 years, Jim served on its Board of Directors, the Wakefield DPW Storm Water Advisory Committee, and the Lake Testing program as Director for students and FOLQ members at the environmental lab at Wakefield Memorial High School. Jim was the recipient of the FOLQ Gertrude Spaulding award for his many years of devoted service to the organization.

Jim served in the Army and National Guard for 30 years, retiring in 1983 as a Lt. Col. He also proudly served on Wakefield’s World War II Memorial Committee. He and Sara loved socializing with the Fuse Setters, a close group of military friends who enjoyed over 25 reunions together throughout Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine and Florida.

An avid stamp collector and photographer, Jim also loved to travel throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, his mother’s homeland. He and Sara went on many cruises with family and friends, and were especially fond of three river cruises. For decades Jim and Sara relished hosting the annual Family Christmas Party and the Fourth of July party, parade, and fireworks at their former Church Street home.

The family wishes to express its sincere gratitude to Burlington’s Lahey Hospital and Medical Center staff, most especially gifted pulmonary specialist Anthony C. Campagna, MD, for over 30 years of compassionate and comprehensive care. Sara and the family also wish to acknowledge the Rev. Brett Johnson, Administrator Lisa Ventura, and the entire Emmanuel Episcopal Church congregation for tremendous love and support. We also greatly appreciate the care and kindness of the staff and residents at Brightview of Wakefield, a recent home Jim loved.

According to his wishes, funeral arrangements are private and being handled by McDonald Funeral Home of Wakefield. To honor Jim’s memory, please consider making a donation to the James H. and Sara M. Murphy Fund at The Scholarship Foundation of Wakefield, Inc., PO Box 321, Wakefield, MA 01880.