James Joseph Murphy, MD

Arden ~ James Joseph Murphy, MD, 65, died Saturday, September 13, 2003, at the Asheville VA Medical Center, after a long illness. Dr. Murphy was a native of Danbury, CT, and was the son of the late James and Frances Kerr Murphy. He was preceded in death by a sister, Margaret Setzler. Dr. Murphy, an Air Force veteran, served at Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda, MI. He was a graduate of St. Mary's College in Emmitsburg, MD and Yale Medical School. He took his surgical training at St. Vincent Hospital in New York City and served his residency in Radiology at UNC-Chapel Hill, remaining on the staff and faculty at UNC. He served on staff at the Durham, NC VA Hospital in 1974 and also served on the faculty of Duke University. In 1977, he became Chief of Radiology at Asheville VA Medical Center, retiring in 1997. Dr. Murphy served as treasurer and was a member of the Board of WNC Friendship Force, traveling as ambassador to many countries and hosting many foreign guests. He was a member of St. Barnabas Catholic Church. Surviving is his wife of 40 years, Margaret "Peg" Schirmer Murphy; two daughters, Margaret Frances Murphy and partner, Lisa Goodlett of Atlanta, GA; Bridget Murphy Gutzmer and husband, Thomas of Richmond, VA; four sisters, Marilou Blaine of East Alstead, NH, Joan McGuire, Susan Carbone, Elizabeth Chmielewski, all of Danbury, CT; a brother, Dr. Frank Murphy of Stuart, FL; four grandchildren, Lauren and Logan Gutzmer, Colin and Camden Murphy and numerous nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be said at 7:00 PM Thursday at St. Barnabas Catholic Church with the Rev. Roger Arnsparger officiating. The family will receive friends following the service in the church parish hall. Memorials may be made to St. Barnabas Capital Campaign Fund, 109 Crescent Hill Dr., Arden, NC 28704 or to one's favorite charity. Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is in charge of arrangements.