John James Murphy, MD

John "Jim or Doc" James Murphy, MD, passed away peacefully Sept. 20, at the age of 99. He joins his beloved wife, Patricia A. (Keller) Murphy, in heaven after 18 years apart.

Dad was the youngest of four children born to William R. and Catherine (Koeberle) Murphy. He is preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Mary, Elizabeth and William, as well as many friends and extended family.

A life-long Akronite, he grew up on Copley Road and attended St. Vincent School where he met Patricia. They were married Aug. 30, 1952, and went on to have seven children. Both Mom and Dad were ardent supporters of the parish and school over the years.

After serving briefly in the United States Army during the Korean War, Dad completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Akron, followed by medical school at Loyola University Chicago's Stritch School of Medicine, where he graduated first in his class. Following his residency, he and his brother, Bill, started their own Internal Medicine practice in Akron. Dad would go on to treat thousands of patients, often caring for several generations of the same family. Following his retirement from private practice in 1987, he continued to see patients part-time at the Goodyear employee clinic, not to mention many "on-call" visits from his grandchildren over the years.

Dad really loved medicine, often talking shop with anyone willing, researching the latest innovations and maintaining his medical license well into his retirement. He enjoyed golfing, working in his garden and spending time with family, including many holiday pool tournaments. He was an avid sports fan, often staying up late to watch the Guardians and Notre Dame, usually with one of his faithful dogs at his feet. Over the years, he also created countless pieces of stained-glass artwork and enjoyed traveling.

He is survived by his children, Maureen (Paul) Miller, Timothy, Mike (Mindy), Daniel (Susan), Kathleen (Bob) Saxon, Mary (Tom) LeFever, and Jim, as well as 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren with one on the way. In addition, he leaves behind his loyal dog, Gracie, who always got the last bite and never missed an opportunity for an ear scratch.

The family would like to extend its deepest gratitude to long-time caregivers, Tina and Allie, who cared for both Mom and Dad over the years.

Calling hours will be Tuesday, Sept. 29, at 10 a.m., followed immediately by the Funeral Mass at 11 a.m., both at St. Vincent de Paul Church, located at 164 W. Market St., Akron. Private internment with the family will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the local chapter of American Red Cross, Haven of Rest Ministries or the St. Vincent de Paul Society.