James Earl Murphy

With the winds from Lake Mendota at his back, James Earl Murphy, known to most as Murph, was ushered into his next life on April 2, 2026, at the age of 72. Jim was born on July 3, 1953, in Iowa City, Iowa; just shy of being a 4th of July baby he arrived during the excitement of thunder and lightning, and a tornado! Jim was the first born son of Louise and Earle Murphy. He grew up as an older brother to Joe, John, Jeff, Jerry and Mary Sue; and younger brother to Ann. Jim attended Horace Mann, St. Mary’s, and Central Junior High. He graduated from Iowa City High in 1971. Jim studied at the University of Iowa and earned his degree in journalism in 1980.

Jim really liked riding motorcycles. During his teenage years he owned a Hodaka 100 for motocross racing. His next motorcycle was a Triumph 650 Tiger. Jim lived on Ridge Road in Iowa City and he and his motorcycle loving friends formed the Ridge Road Raiders Motorcycle gang, complete with their own logo T-shirts.

Jim was always working, whether it was delivering newspapers, working produce at Hy-Vee grocery store, working at the University of Iowa Student Union, bartending at the Highlander Inn or managing the Ironman Inn’s restaurant. After college he worked with his father and other family members at Bremers Men’s Clothing store.

In 1986, Jim moved to Madison, Wisconsin where he took residence and lived at the Kennedy Manor building for 40 years. He became friends with his neighbors and the building managers. Once established in Madison, Jim began a long career in the food and beverage industry, including general management at the Madison Club. While overseeing the Madison Club he developed and managed the wine program at the Cabana Club Brazilian Steakhouse, where the owners created the “Murphy’s Club” room for all of Murph’s regular diners. Jim also enjoyed working behind the bar at the Wonder’s Pub, serving lunches and drinks to his loyal customers.

In 1987, he was voted Madison’s most eligible man, an honor he humbly accepted.

Jim enjoyed University of Wisconsin athletics and he was a loyal season ticket holder for both football and hockey games. Murph did struggle with the annual Hawkeye-Badger games, but good sense prevailed, and his “Once a Hawkeye, Always a Hawkeye” upbringing helped him root for the right team!

Jim loved his life in Madison, from his rooftop gardening, the Taste of Madison, the Madison Farmers Market, biking to work everyday in all kinds of weather, and his frequent fishing at the end of Carrol Street where many a friend joined him. In 1996, Murph created the Carp-O-Rama fishing tournament. He chose the one day each summer when fishing licenses were not required for his fishing derby. Jim’s goal was to rid the lakes of invasive carp, and a dead carp was a good carp!

The Murphy family would like to thank Jim’s entire network of friends for their love and support.

Jim was preceded in death by his father. They are currently discussing Caitlin Clark and Iowa football.

While we have all lost Jim’s friendship, laughter and storytelling skills, his spirit is still with us.

Donations may be directed to the Earle and Louise Murphy Athletic Scholarship c/o the Levitt Center for University Advancement, 1 West Park Rd, Iowa City, IA 52242. Cards may be mailed to Louise Murphy, 3 Russell Slade Blvd #314, Coralville, Iowa 52241.