WEST ROXBURY- Mr. James Edward Murphy Jr., 64, of West Roxbury, died Sunday, October 30th, 2016 at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers following a brief illness surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Springfield, he was the son of the late James E. Sr. and Marilyn Jean (Pitoniak) Murphy. Raised and educated in Peabody he was a graduate of Peabody High School.

An honorably discharged veteran, he served his country as a member of the United States Air Force. He served his country state side as well as in Iceland. He was a true American through and through. He took great pride in his service but also in sharing his patriotism with all, from only purchasing American made products to having a veteran license plate. Jim was proud to be an American and wasn't afraid to show it.

Mr. Murphy was employed as a shipper in the sign making industry with Steel Art Company of Norwood, manufacturers of architectural signs for 23 years until the time of his illness 9 weeks ago. He was a dedicated employee and skilled at his profession and will be missed by all of his colleagues.

An avid outdoorsman, Jim enjoyed spending his time out of doors, fishing, boating and kayaking. He looked forward to his yearly trip to Lake Ontario with his friends and fellow veterans. He spent countless hours at the V.A. Hospital in West Roxbury, making many lifelong friends. He was a zealous Boston Red Sox and Boston Sports fan but above all else, family was paramount in Jim's life. He was a great friend, loving brother and devoted uncle who will be deeply missed.

James is survived by his siblings, Deborah Belleau and her husband Bradley of Danvers, Coleen Bornstein and her husband David of North Reading, Thomas Patrick Murphy and Bernadette Fielding of Gloucester, Patrick J. Murphy of Beverly and Kelly Ford and her husband Anthony of Danvers, multiple nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He was the paternal grandson of the late Franklin J. and Gertrude (McKenna) Murphy and maternal grandson of the late Stephen and Sophie (Swotchak) Pitoniak.

ARRANGEMENTS: His funeral services are private. Assisting the family with the arrangements is the Peterson-O'Donnell Funeral Home, 167 Maple St., (Rt. 62) Danvers. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in James' memory to the Kaplan Family Hospice House, 75 Sylvan St., Danvers, MA 01923. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com