James Francis Murphy

James Francis “Jim” Murphy, 85, of Crookston, MN passed away Sunday evening November 16, 2025, surrounded by his family. Jim was born in Crookston, Minnesota on June 28, 1940, the son of Thomas “Jay” and Zelia (Charron) Murphy. He was baptized at St. Francis Parish in Fisher, MN and graduated from Fisher High School in 1958. Jim was drafted into the United States Army and served in Germany as an MP. Once honorably discharged, Jim worked as a water softener salesman but moved on to bigger and greener adventures. Jim spent his career working for Crookston Implement, “John Deere”, starting as a salesman in 1976 and ending his career as the General Manager in 2003. On October 29, 1966, he was united in marriage to Betty Lou Marie Hoffman at St. Anne’s Catholic Church, in Crookston. Their marriage was blessed by the births of four children: Lisa, Christopher, Sarah and Susan. Lisa passed away at the age of four after an illness in 1972.

Growing up, Jim was a hard worker, starting out picking potatoes for $0.13/hour. He played 6-man football in high school and was the first ever Homecoming King for Fisher High School. Over the years he played softball, curling and was an avid bowler. Jim was a member of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Knights of Columbus, Fisher American Legion and Crookston 40/8. During retirement, Jim loved his coffee time with friends, playing cards with friends and family, supporting Fisher high school football, working puzzles and trying his luck at bingo and the casino.

Jim will be very lovingly remembered by his family and many friends. Grateful to have shared in Jim’s life is his beloved wife of 59 years, Betty; their three children: Christopher (Jill) Murphy of Spring Creek, NV, Sarah (Michael) Gerads of Brooklyn Park, MN and Susan Murphy of Crookston, MN; 7 grandchildren: Josie (Ryan) Clymens, Keegan Murphy, and Libby Murphy, Joshua Gerads, Rachel Gerads, Rebekah Gerads (fiancé Jacob Shepherd) and Mikey Gerads; great grandchildren: Damyn Clymens and Finnegan Clymens; his sisters, Sister Pat Murphy of Wichita KS; Betty Flatt of Enderlin, ND and Lucy Tanner of Little Falls, MN; in laws Marilyn Olson, Don Hoffman, and Debbie (Ken) Winger all of Crookston, MN; Jim leaves behind several nephews, nieces and many cousins. He is proceeded in death by his daughter, Lisa; grandchild Sam Murphy Gerads; parents, Jay and Zelia Murphy; parents-in-law Earl and Lilia Hoffman; brothers-in-law, Jim Flatt and Ed Tanner; nephews, Brian and Andy Hoffman. May God bless the memory of Jim Murphy.

The family wishes to express their gratitude for the care Jim received these past few years; Dr. Kanten at Riverview Hospital, Dr. Panico at Altru Cancer Center and Dr. Gupta at Roger Maris Cancer Center. We also appreciate all the care and support from HIA Hospice.

A Christian Burial celebrating the life of James Francis Murphy will be 2pm, Monday, November 24, 2025, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Crookston. Visitation will be at the Cathedral Sunday, November 23, 2025, 5:00pm – 7:00pm with a 7:00pm prayer service and time for sharing memories, and a visitation also for one hour prior to the funeral service.

Military Honors will be proved by the Army National Guard Honor Guard and the Crookston Color Guard.