Former State Rep. Jim Murphy Dies

A former Crestwood alderman and state reperesentative Jim Murphy died late Thursday night. He was 87. The funeral service is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 16, beginning at Kutis Funeral Home in Affton, 10151 Gravois Rd., at 9:30 a.m., then to Our Lady of Providence Catholic Church, 8863 Pardee Rd., for the 10 a.m. mass.

Murphy, a Republican in the 95th district, served on the House of Representatives from 1982-2002. His district included Crestwood, Sunset Hills, Fenton, and unincorporated portions of Concord Village and Sappington. He served on the Crestwood Board of Aldermen from 1981 until his move to the state legislature in 1982. 

He was named Crestwood-Sunset Hills Citizen of the Year in 1988, according to his biography in the Missouri state website. 

Murphy was known for his sense of humor and tireless efforts in the political arena, at both state and local levels. Crestwood Ward IV Alderman John Foote said Murphy was "very much appreciated for his efforts connecting the local areas with the state and making the resident opinons known to the state."

Even when he wasn't serving in an official capacity, Murphy spoke out for what he felt was the better good of the community. He also helped support politicans in the area he respected, said Foote.

Ward III Alderman Jerry Miguel said Murphy became his 'go-to guy' for discussion when he was elected to the board in 2004, and remembers him as a man of action.

"He did more than just sit back and talk. He got involved," he said.

Murphy and his son operated the Lavin Co., based in Crestwood. He was a former school board member for Our Lady of Providence, and the Crestwood-Sunset Hills and Fenton chambers of commerce, according to the Missouri state website.

"Fenton always seemed to have a special place in his heart, and I don’t recall many community events that he missed.  The thoughts and prayers of a grateful community go out to his family,” said Fenton Mayor Dennis Hancock.