An active public servant, no matter where he lived

James A. Murphy's life focused on his family and community.

Following the footsteps of his family, Mr. Murphy entered politics early in life and by his early 30s, had already been elected to office.

During his political career he served as a West Chicago alderman, school board member for West Chicago Community High School District 94 and later for the Kane County Regional Board of Schools.

"He was well respected in town," said Don Earley, former West Chicago alderman and present day treasurer. "He was always a happy-go-lucky fella. He always had a smile for everybody."

Born in 1928 in Aurora, Mr. Murphy grew up in West Chicago. Later in life, he moved to Geneva and finally to North Aurora.

He died Tuesday at Delnor-Community Hospital in Geneva at the age of 80.

Mr. Murphy was an Army veteran. During the early 50s, he served during the Korean War in the 45th Signal Division. Later in life, he became the commandeer of American Legion Post 300 in West Chicago.

After the military, Mr. Murphy married Marlene Johnson in 1953 at St. Peter Catholic Church in Geneva. It had been love at first sight.

"It sounds kind of corny, but it probably was," his wife said. "He was a loyal friend to the people he knew, a fantastic father and a very, very good husband."

For more than 35 years, Mr. Murphy worked for Illinois Bell, starting as a lineman and retiring in 1983 as a supervisor. He also co-owned Murphy's Ace Hardware store on Route 59 in West Chicago.

The Murphys had four children -- Jay, Jalene, Joel and Jill -- who would eventually give them 12 grandchildren.

"He helped me realize that one does the best with what you are blessed with," his son Jay said. "The need to laugh at yourself and life; and finally, not to regret what has not happened, but embrace what has and look forward to the future."

The couple raised their children in West Chicago where Mr. Murphy quickly got involved in politics.

He served on the city council from 1957 to 1963. During his years as an alderman he was instrumental in buying the first ladder truck for the fire department.

After that, he was elected to the District 94 school board.

For decades, during his spare time, Murphy enjoyed attending the Indianapolis 500 and even worked in the pits in 1960 and 1961.

After the children went off to college, the Murphys moved to Geneva. Roughly 12 years ago, they moved to North Aurora.

Mr. Murphy also was a world traveler. He traveled with his family to Europe. He and his wife especially enjoyed flying out to the Christmas March in Germany.

Visitation will be from 9:30.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 801 Oak St., North Aurora. Interment will be private.

Memorials may be made to the Delnor-Community Healthcare Foundation, Sophisticated Medicine Campaign, 300 N. Randall Road, Geneva, IL 60134.