James J. Murphy

James J. Murphy, 84, of Newtown Square, PA, passed away on Sunday, May 4, 2025. Jim was born on November 13, 1940, to the late Patrick and Kathleen Murphy. He and his wife, Kathryn Murphy (née Millhouse), were former longtime residents of Villanova, PA.

Jim grew up in the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY, and graduated from Saint Augustine High School in 1958. He was the first in his family to attend college, earning his undergraduate degree from Manhattan College in 1962 and a master’s from Niagara University in 1963. He completed his doctoral dissertation on the writings of James Joyce and earned his Ph.D. from Temple University in 1971.

Jim began his teaching career at Villanova University in 1963 and retired in 2010. Over the course of his 47-year tenure, he made a lasting impact as a professor of English and Irish Studies. He was the founding director of Villanova’s Irish Studies Program, launched in 1979, and was instrumental in the creation of the Charles A. Heimbold, Jr. Chair of Irish Studies and the Villanova Center at NUI Galway. Beyond campus, he helped enrich the Irish-American experience in Philadelphia by organizing countless events—both at Villanova and occasionally at a local watering hole. These gatherings included poetry readings, concerts, and lectures by world-renowned figures in the Irish and Irish-American communities.

The son of Irish immigrant parents and named one of Irish America magazine’s Top Irish Americans, Jim’s deep connection to Ireland was shaped from an early age. As he once said, “Ireland was always in the air of my growing up. I breathed in a world of brogues and ballads.” His many honors include an honorary Doctor of Literature from the National University of Ireland, Galway, serving as marshal of the Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and donating a significant collection of Irish poetry to Villanova’s Falvey Library.

Jim loved spending time with his grandchildren, rooting for Villanova basketball, the Eagles, and the Phillies, relaxing with Kathy at Baylor’s Lake, spending summers in Galway, making his annual trip to Saratoga with close friends, and enjoying the occasional pint and poem with good company.

In addition to his beloved wife Kathy, Jim is survived by his three sons: James Murphy; Kevin Murphy, husband of Andrea (Ward) Murphy; and Daniel Murphy, husband of Melissa (Moran) Murphy. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren—Eamon, Patrick, Cecilia, Bridget, Mary Grace, Matthew, and Maeve—and by his sister, Eileen Keegan of Charlotte, NC. He was predeceased by his sister, Joan Keegan.

Relatives and friends are invited to a Funeral Mass at Saint Thomas of Villanova Church, Main Campus, 800 Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, PA 19085 at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, followed by a reception to celebrate Jim’s life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org, a cause close to Jim’s heart.