News Bulletin - January 11, 2005

The Passing of James J. Murphy

Pacific Lodge Youth Services is saddened to report that Jim Murphy passed away January 8, 2005 in Corona , California .

Jim, or ‘Murph' as the boys often called him, was hired as assistant superintendent of the Lodge July 1, 1954 . Within the first year he was challenged with the sudden death of the superintendent, Pop Morgan. Called on to hold things together during the interim he did so and was soon joined by Wally Wilson who took over leadership in 1955. Wally and Jim were a formidable team for over 25 years, leading the Lodge from care and education to the new frontier of treatment and counseling in the residential setting. Jim lived in a small 2 bedroom house on the Lodge property just behind Bekins Cottage (present day is our Learning Center at Murphy House). For 33 years he provided 24 hour oversight of the program and was dedicated to the well being of the boys and staff alike. Jim left Pacific Lodge June 30, 1987 and in doing so left a legacy unmatched in the history of the Lodge. Every week or two there is a call or a visit from a former resident asking about Murph. The memories frequently shared include the jokes and games he engaged kids with, the camping trips he lead to the beach or mountains, the patience he would show and the Irish temper seen on occasion. He created characters like Clancy the leprechaun who would leave bags of goodies around for the lucky one finding it. The bag had the inscription “Clancy's Bag” what's inside is yours to keep but return the bag to Murphy”. Another was Green Arm, who particularly liked to scare the younger boys in Bekins Cottage according to the stories told with many variations over time. With Jim at the end of his life was Victor R. who visited him in the medical care home and posted pictures of Pacific Lodge, Jim and Victor from the early 1980's. Victor likens Jim to a second father who saved his life and continued to mentor him throughout his adult years. Many of us were fortunate enough to have our lives brightened and enriched by this wonderful man called ‘Murph'.

He will be missed and forever remembered for his contribution to the heart of Pacific Lodge.

View Photo Gallery of Jim

Consider making a gift to Pacific Lodge in memory of Jim Murphy. For more information contact us at deedee.bush@plys.org