Submitted by: Dan Rich

James E. Murphy

Nov. 16, 1923 - Sept. 2, 2002

South Bend Tribune 9/3/2002

James E. Murphy, 78, retired Associate Vice President for University Relations at the University of Notre Dame, passed away on September 2nd at Holy Cross Care and Rehabilitation Center.

Mr. Murphy came to Notre Dame in 1941, and after serving in the Army Air Force during World War II, completed his bachelor's degree in English in 1947. After graduate studies at Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism and work as a news editor for the American Broadcasting Company and in public relations with the American Legion national headquarters, Mr. Murphy returned to Notre Dame in 1952 and for the next four decades served as the University's chief public relations officer. During that time he served as a press officer to two University presidents, Fathers Hesburgh and Malloy, as well as former president Father Cavanaugh. He was active in media relations, special events programming, alumni relations, and public relations support for five University capital campaigns.

He was a liaison to White House and Secret Service personnel for campus visits by Presidents Eisenhower, Ford, Carter, Reagan and Bush. He accompanied Father Hesburgh to the White House to present the University's 1961 Laetare Medal to President Kennedy, and coordinated numerous University events involving U.S. and foreign dignitaries, entertainment figures and business leaders. After having witnessed the University's centennial as a sophomore in 1942, Mr. Murphy culminated his Notre Dame career 50 years later as executive director of the University's 13-month observance of its sesquicentennial.

Active over the years in many community and professional organizations, including the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education, Mr. Murphy was also a musician by avocation, and served as principal organist and choir director at Saint Anthony DePadua Church in South Bend from 1954-86.

Mr. Murphy was born to Robert L. and Helen A. Murphy on November 16, 1923, in Indianapolis, where he was raised. He married Barbara Lill in Fort Wayne on May 19, 1951.

Surviving to celebrate Mr. Murphy's life are his wife and children: James Jr.; Peter; Michael (Suzanne); Mary (Anson Moore); Daniel (Laura); and Kate Rose. Mr. Murphy has nine grandchildren: Brendan Murphy; Adrienne Murphy; Kevin Murphy; Kathleen Murphy; Blake Murphy; Carolyn Moore; Danny Murphy; Sarah Moore; and Michael Murphy. Mr. Murphy is also survived by two brothers: Robert O. Murphy of Granger; and Rev. Thomas J. Murphy of Indianapolis.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, September 5, 2002, in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart on the campus of the University of Notre Dame.

Burial will follow in Cedar Grove Cemetery.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, where a parish vigil will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday.