Lasting Memories

James Joseph Murphy
Nov. 25, 1942-Nov. 9, 2025
Pleasanton, California
Submitted by Lori Murphy

James Joseph Murphy passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home on Sunday, Nov 9, 2025. He touched many lives with his kind soul, generous spirit, and love for one and all.

Jim (as he was dearly called) was born in Oakland, CA to Irish parents, Joseph and Dorothea Murphy. He graduated from St Bernard’s Elementary School, Bishop O’Dowd High School and earned a degree in History from the University of Maryland. He served in the U.S. Army for 3 years, including his time at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center in Monterey, CA, the National Security Agency in Ankara, Turkey and Vint Hill Farms in Warrenton, VA. Jim enjoyed a fulfilling career of nearly 30 years with the Southern Pacific Railroad, retiring as a Conductor/Brakeman. He was a devoted member of the Catholic Community of Pleasanton (CCOP) for over 50 years, where he served on the Parish Council as well as various other ministries. He was a Life Member of the Knights of Columbus (Oakland Council #4840). As a devoted 44-year member of AA, Jim lived his life in humble service to others. His unwavering faith and compassion guided him to reach out a helping hand to anyone in need. Through his kindness, wisdom, and gentle spirit, Jim touched countless lives and exemplified the true meaning of recovery, gratitude, and love. Helping others was not just his calling, it was his gift to the world.

Among his many interests, he was an avid sailor and an outstanding chef with an insatiable enthusiasm for learning. After retirement, he devoted his time to teaching English as a second language to foreign students for many years. With his continual desire to give and to love all cultures alike, he and Lori founded People to People Foundation in 2010 to educate under-privileged children both nationally and globally.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Lori Daniels Murphy, dear brother Jack Murphy, darling nieces Kerry (Brian) and Erin. He is also survived by nephew/son Carlton Acuff, niece/daughter Madonna, grandson Chris (Shawna), grand-daughter Ashley and grandson Carl. Other surviving loved ones include brother-like dear friend, Billy Hannon (Mona); sister-like dear friend Norma Wheeler (Jeff), Godchildren George and Yvonne; sister-like friends Grace Chang, Jeanne Michael (John Stack), Kathieanne Powell and Sweety Law. He is also survived by daughter Sunny Lee, grandkids Danny, Allen and Tina; daughter, Mary Siroki (son Laszlo), grandson Jonathan; daughter Jane Ding Swain (son Bret), grand-daughter Megan (Michael); son Sneader Sequeira (daughter Justyna), grand-daughter Josie; daughter Ginna Yoo (son Jay), grandkids Judy and Michael; daughter Chitra Chhabra (son Sameer), grandkids Pratham and Tyna; daughter Ruth Hannon Ramirez (Ivan), grandson Gabe; daughter Jennifer Chang, grandkids Julien and Lauren; daughter Julie Marty (Hughes), grandsons Greg and Gabe; daughter Judy Hu, grandkids CeCe and Joshie; daughter Zuhal Cetin ( Erkan), grandkids Sema and Esma; daughter Amy Sitzmann; son Neil Daniel; daughter Anne Marie Gallagher (Michael), grandkids Emily, Thomas, Elizabeth and Patrick; godson Nicholas Richey and grandson Kevin Wei.

His unforgettable charm, gregarious nature, love for life, people and travel, and his gift for finding wit and humor in everything will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Military honors will be held on Monday, December 1, 2025, shortly before 10:00 am at St. Augustine Catholic Church, 3999 Bernal Avenue, Pleasanton, CA 94566, followed immediately by a funeral mass at 10:00 am. A reception will then take place at the Oasis Restaurant, 780 Main Street, Pleasanton, CA 94566. We warmly welcome all who wish to join us in honoring and remembering a beloved life. Gifts in memory of Jim, may be donated to People to People Foundation at https://www.peopletopeoplefoundation.org/donate.html , by mailing a check to People to People Foundation, P O Box 11404, Pleasanton, CA 94588