James Murphy, 89, died on Saturday, May 6, 2023, peacefully at his home in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, surrounded by his family.
Per his request, no funeral services will be held. A memorial celebration for family and friends may take place at a future date.
Mr. Murphy was born June 5, 1933, in Harvel, the youngest son of the late John and Marie (Langen) Murphy.
A graduate of Raymond High School, Mr. Murphy earned degrees from Western Illinois University and the University of Montana. During his career in the theatre, he staged over 70 plays in the United States, Canada, and Ireland. He co-founded Huron Country Playhouse in Grand Bend, Ontario, was instrumental in transforming the 1000-seat Columbia Theater in Longview, WA, into an active performing arts center and wrote several books about his work in the theatre.
Mr. Murphy is survived by his wife of 48 years Barbara (Gough); children, Nevin (Lisa) of Gig Harbor, WA, and Deirdre of San Diego, CA; grandchildren, Isaac Budge and Nia Murphy; sister, Dorothy (Maguire) of Litchfield, CT and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, John, Harold, Gerald, Carl and Roy.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be given in his memory to the charity of the donor’s choice.Condolences may be left online at www.zentnerfuneralhomes.com.
