James D. "Jim" Murphy, 80, a longtime resident of Reading, passed away at the Royal Meadow View Center after a long illness. He was the husband of the late Regina (Kennedy) Murphy who passed away in 2021.

Born in Lynn and raised in Saugus, he was the son of the late Warren, and the late Verda (Kent) Murphy. Jim was a graduate of Saugus High School, Class of 1963. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served as a K-9 Handler with the 1002nd Security Police during the Vietnam War. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant.

While serving in Vietnam, Jim met his future wife, Regina, after she began writing to him as a favor to her sister, Donna. They married after he returned stateside and were married for 52 years.

After earning his Honorable Discharge, Jim attended Boston University on the G.I. Bill. He went to work for General Electric Aircraft Engines Division in Lynn. Jim retired from GE after a 35-year career.

Jim was known around town as "Pa" and was beloved for his incredible sense of humor. In retirement, his favorite pastime was "chasing his grandkids around the ball fields of Reading." He took great pride in teaching all five of his grandchildren to swim at the Burbank YMCA.

Deeply involved in his community, Jim took on leadership roles in the Reading Booster Club, Reading Youth Softball, Little League, Youth Basketball, and Pop Warner Football. His passion for Reading athletics never faded—he continued to support his grandchildren at RMHS as recently as this past winter season.

In his free time, Jim enjoyed fishing and trap shooting and was a proud member of the Danvers Fish & Game Club. He had a deep love for Lake Winnipesaukee, where he provided his family with annual vacations in Moultonborough. He cherished boating, fishing, eating lobster, and napping on Joey's dock.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, the late Regina (Kennedy) Murphy. He is survived by one daughter, Karen Murphy of Reading; one son, James Murphy and his wife Allyson of Reading, and five grandchildren, James Murphy, Jack Murphy, John Irmer, Kevin Irmer, and Kate Murphy. He is also survived by his sister, Donna Malinowski of Groveland, and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Visiting hours will be at he Douglass, Edgerley & Bessom Funeral Home, 25 Sanborn St. (cor. of Woburn St.) Reading on Wednesday, March 5 from 3:00-7:00 pm. The funeral will be held from the funeral home on Thursday, March 6 at 9:30 am, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Agnes Church, 186 Woburn St. in Reading at 10:30 am. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jim's memory may be made to the Reading Scholarship Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 492, Reading, MA 01867 (www.readingsf.org/donations)