John Henry Murphy

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Celebrating the life of
John Henry  MurphyJuly 28, 1927 - June 05, 2010

John Henry Murphy died peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, June 5 at his home in Savannah, Georgia.
John Henry Murphy was born in Charleston, SC in 1927 and graduated from Benedictine Military School in Savannah in 1945. He joined the U.S. Navy as a part of World War II and served until being discharged following the war. He graduated from Armstrong Junior College with honors. He then attended American University and its Washington College of Law in Washington, DC. He graduated with a Juris Doctorate degree.

Throughout law school, John Henry Murphy served as a clerk with the Washington, DC Federal Bureau of Investigation and was hired as a Special Agent upon his completion of law school. As an F.B.I. agent, he worked in Washington, DC, New Haven and Bridgeport, CT, Pittsburg, PA, and Wheeling, WVA before his last assignment to Savannah, GA where he served as the Principal Legal Advisor and Special Agent.
Following his FBI retirement in December 1977 after 28 years of service, he practiced law in Savannah with Thomas J. McNamara.
John Henry Murphy was active in many local, regional and national volunteer organizations in his retirement serving on numerous boards and as a consultant for various non-profits, religious and political action groups. He was a Past Grand Knight of the 631 Council of the Knights of Columbus, a former General Chairman of the St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee, former Parish Council President, past Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Carmelite Monastery, past President of the Sein Fein Society, a member of the Irish Heritage Society, member of the Georgia chapter of the FBI National Academy Association, past officer in the Coastal Empire Right to Life and Georgia Right to Life, past officer of the Chatham County Republican Party, Windsor Forest Neighborhood Association and additional organizations requesting his services. He spent the last few years devoted to the care of his beloved wife and high school sweetheart – often citing it as a pale comparison to her decades of dedication and care for him.
John Henry Murphy was preceded in death by his parents Eugene Lawrence and Mary St. John Cade Murphy of Charleston, SC. He is survived by his wife Josephine Kenney Murphy, four daughters, Helen Marie Fleming Michael, Mary Gene Sikes Michael, Josie Murphy, and Michele Beckett George, and one son, The Rev. Fr. Thomas J. Murphy, of Hinesville, GA. He was blessed with three granddaughters and three grandsons. He is also survived by a brother, Eugene Cade Murphy, of Gambells, MD.
Visitation will be from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM on Monday at Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson-Memorial Chapel. A Rosary vigil will be said at 7:00 PM.
A Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, June 8 at St. James Catholic Church where he served as a weekly usher. Fr. Mark Ross, Pastor, will celebrate the Mass along with visiting priests.
John Henry Murphy was a man of honor, honesty, integrity, and the courage of his convictions. He served God and his family with complete devotion and will be missed by all those who cherish him. The family asks that remembrances be sent to Benedictine Military School, St. Vincent's Academy, and St. James Catholic Church.

Honorary Pallbearers: Retired Special Agents of the F.B.I. and Benedictine's Class of 1945.

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GUEST BOOK

We are so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are all in our prayers.

- Lynn and Ron Beumer, Irving, TX

My condolences to Father Tom Murphy and to his mother and sisters for the loss of their loved one, John Henry Murphy; may he rest in eternal peace with our LORD.

- Dale Kiefer, Allenhurst, GA

Dear Josephine and Family,we were so sorry to hear about John Henry.Tom was travelling and we were unable to get to the visitation or the funeral.You are in our prayers.John was a really fine man.

- Tom and Judy Mahoney, Savannah, GA

To the Murphy family- You have our deepst sympathy on the loss of your loved one. You are in our prayers. Mr. John Henry Murphy was a good, kind hearted person. We will all miss him. Cleveland and Albertha Loadholt and Family.

- Albertha Loadholt, Savannah, GA

John was a joy to know since we met when my parents Dixie and Gus first moved to Savannah over thirty years ago. He was a great story teller who loved his family and country very much. Our thoughts and prayers are with John and the entire Murphy family.

- W. Glenn and Susan Viers, Atlanta, GA

Mark, Carolyn and I are so sorry for your loss. What wonderful family and friends you have to support you during this difficult time. Mr. Murphy lived a wonderful life and contributed so much to his country! We thank him for that! Much love, Mark, Carole, and Carolyn

- Mark and Carole Campbell, Fairfax, VA

I'm so sorry for your loss!

- Sammy Beiter, Hinesvile, GA

Be at peace.

- John Jansen, Palmer, AK

To Father Tom and Murphy family, We are so sorry for the loss of your husband and father. We will remember your family in our prayers. May God bless you and comfort you at this sad time.

- Deacon & Mrs. Lou Andruzzi, Glennville, GA

Sincere condolences to the Murphy family. John Henry was a great man and it was my privilege to know and work with him.

- P J Shinnick, , GA

He was a good man. I enjoyed working with him in the Republican Party and he will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and my sympathy goes out to you in this time of loss.,

- Dr. Jim Burnham, St. Marys, GA

Our deepest sympathy .You are in our prayers.May God bless you and grant you peace.

- Hector & Betty Perelez, , GA

It is a privilege and an honor for me to have shook a man hands such as his hands.A good patriot for his country,good family man-great mentor.A man of God-for it is written;I've never seen the rightous forsakeing,nor his seed begging for bread.For me not to know Mr.John Henry Murphy for long period of time.I can tell he beared good fruits by watching the family God put together though him.A good man.I'm sorry family for your lost.Prays with you-all,Love Gregery McCullarTammy Grosse Fiance'

- Gregery McCullar, Villa Rica, GA

My deepest condolences to the family.

- Barbara H. McCoy, Savannah, GA