James J. Murphy

James J. Murphy, 86, longtime resident of Milford, NH, died on October 16, 2025 at his home.

He was raised and educated in Lawrence, MA, having graduated from Lawrence High School, Class of 1958.

James studied various subjects including, machine-shop, electrical, sheet metal, woodworking, mechanical drawing, blue print reading and drawing.

He played three sports, football, baseball and track. He repeated two years of high school to be eligible for a scholarship in football, which was the love of his life. He played a post season game in the Orange Bowl in Miami, FL. He refused a scholarship due to knee injuries.

James attended college at Cuyahoga Community College in Cleaveland, OH. He majored in community mental health and received an associate’s degree.

While married to Brenda, he enrolled in Liberty University Online and received a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling in 1993. He also completed a three-year parttime program in Lynchburg, Virginia.

James worked from 1958 to 1961 at Auto Friction Corporation in Lawrence, MA and later at ITT Semiconductor Inc., Lawrence, MA.

He relocated to Ohio in 1966 and was employed at Alloys and Chemicals, and later at an aluminum foundry and then Cleveland Electro Metals.

In 1981, James was employed at the Northeast Care Center, Royalton, OH, where he was employed as a health care assistant. James relocated to Massachusetts in 1983 and worked as a nurse’s aide at the Mary Immaculate Nursing Home, Lawrence, MA, and later was employed at Laser Data Corporation in Lowell, MA. James would relocate to New Hampshire after losing his home to a fire.

He began employment at Ober Engineering, Nashua, NH as a milling machine operator.

For over 26 years, James worked at Opportunity Networks, a nonprofit organization, as a job coach serving Souhegan Valley and greater Nashua young adults and adult residents who live with acquired and developmental disabilities. He retired in 2015 at 76 years old.

James and his wife Brenda became home care providers for one of his clients at the day program at Opportunity Networks. The client remained with them for over 10 years in their home. Their next client also came from Opportunity Networks and resided with them for 2 ½ years.

Mr. Murphy had previously served as an assistant pastor at the Tolles Street Mission in Nashua, NH from 2009-2015.

James was an avid reader of the Word of God and of Biblical history. He spent hours studying the Greek and Latin scriptures to prepare his sermons at the Tolles Street Mission.

James and Brenda housed many homeless people over the 37 years of their marriage, who needed temporary housing. His greatest joy was serving God’s people and interceding for those put in his path.

He was known in the Christian community as a Prayer Warrior and was a spiritual influence for both young and old alike in their journey of faith.

James was also a longtime member of the Burns Hill Christian Church in Milford. James had a deep commitment to his Faith in Jesus Christ and was known and loved by many in their community of Milford, NH.

His joy was a force of nature, and his booming laugh could fill a room and pull a smile from anyone.

James’s enthusiasm and love for the Lord was contagious and so life changing. Being in his presence made a difference to those suffering from emotional pain or simple “burnout” from life’s unexpected challenges.

Isaiah 50:4 is a verse that speaks of having the ability to know how to offer a “word in season to him who is weary,” signifying the importance of timely encouragement for those in need. Brother Murphy was able to give that timely word!

His spiritual legacy will live on in the hearts of those he impacted for the Kingdom of God. He will be greatly missed by those who walked with him on this side of Glory. May he rest in peace until we all meet again.

Family members include his loving wife, Brenda (Nye) Murphy of Milford, NH; ten children, Sharon Pratcher, Marcelle Putnam and her Leon Putnam, Ralph Murphy, Valerie Murphy, Michelle Murphy, Pamela Murphy, Brian Pouliot, Matthew Pouliot, Jason Pouliot, Ina Joy Sotomayor and her husband Julio Sotomayor; fourteen grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; siblings, Fannie Currier, Ernestine Murphy, Ralph Murphy, Ronnie Williams, Rodney Williams, Rita Williams; many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life will be held on Wednesday, November 26th at 6:00pm, which is James and Brenda’s 38th wedding anniversary, in the Souhegan Valley Christian Church, 134 Hollis Road, Amherst, NH. Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please go to www.smith-heald.com