James Murphy

Hastings resident, James V. Murphy, 88, passed away Sunday, April 24, 2011 at Mary Lanning Memorial HealthCare, Hastings, Nebraska.

Rosary will be Tuesday, April 26, 2011; 7:30 P.M. at Butler Volland Chapel, Hastings. Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, April 27, 2011; 10:30 A.M. at St. Michael's Catholic Church with Father Michael Houlihan officiating. Burial with military rites will be in Parkview Cemetery, Hastings. Visitation will be Tuesday, April 26, 2011; 1:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. with family present 5:30 P.M. - 7:30 P.M. at the funeral home, and one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials may be given to James V. Murphy Memorial Fund.

Jim was born January 5, 1923 in Aberdeen, South Dakota to William & Irene (Deming) Murphy. In 1940, he graduated from Central High School, Aberdeen, South Dakota and attended Northern State College in 1941. In 1942, Jim entered the U.S. Air Force where he was a pilot and Lieutenant. He was stationed in Horham England during World War II and flew in 17 missions over Germany and was a member of the 8th Bomber Division. He married Shirley Helander in 1944. Jim worked for the Milwaukee Railroad. When he achieved his Master Electrician's License he started working as an electrical contractor and superintendent building substations and power plants across the Midwest and California. They moved to Hastings in 1960 and he began working on the substation for Hastings Utilities. His career as an electrician lasted more than 25 years. In 1971, Jim purchased the Wagon Wheel Bar and then changed the name to Murphy's Wagon Wheel. He brought the Irish to St. Patrick's Day with green beer and Irish stew in Hastings. Jim was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, Elks Club, V.F.W., and IBEW. He was a past member of the Hastings Airport Authority, was on the Board of Directors IBEW, and Nebraska Licensed Beverage Association.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; infant son, Thomas Edward Murphy; sister, Mary Murphy Herder; and great-grandson, Logan Kelly.

Survivors include:
Wife: Shirley Murphy
Children & Spouses: Michele & Nick Markos
Patrick & Louise Murphy
Robert A. Murphy & Tamie Heil
Siobhan & Kevin Ebers
Grandchildren: Jim Kelly
Jeff Kelly
Sean Kelly
Ryan Murphy
Greg Murphy
Katie Murphy
Ashley Murphy
Jamison Murphy
Sarah Ebers
Caroline Ebers Winder
Christian Ebers
Great-Grandchildren: Tye Kelly
Shawna Kelly
Shauna S. Kelly
Kaitlyn Kelly
Ryan Kelly
Amber Kelly
Hannah Kelly
Zachary Kelly
Keaton Murphy
Karter Murphy
Celia Winder
Madelyn Winder
Piper Murphy
Jace Murphy