Remembering Jim Murphy

James “Jim”  Murphy, longtime alcohol, drug and mental health counselor at the UND Counseling Center, passed away July 29, 2018, at his home in Grand Forks. He was 64.

Jim was born Oct. 7, 1953 to Tim and Helen (Lowe) Murphy in Grand Forks. He spent his childhood on the family farm in Niagara, N.D., where he attended the area country school. Jim graduated from Larimore High School in 1971 and received his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of North Dakota.

He married Robin McDonald on Sept. 15, 1973. The couple lived in Fargo where Jim worked at Woolworth’s before moving to Grand Forks in 1976. He worked in flooring sales in Grand Forks and later attended North Dakota State University, earning a master’s degree in Education in August 1994.

Jim became a licensed professional addiction counselor in January 1995 and began work as a counselor for Northeast Human Services. In 2005 he transitioned to the University of North Dakota Counseling Center where he had a positive impact in countless lives during his counseling tenure. In recognition of his dedication to the well-being of the University community, Jim was honored with the 2018 UND Meritorious Service Award in June.

He was featured in the Grand Forks Herald for his work in 2010.

Jim loved spending time with his family and friends. He especially cherished moments with his four grandchildren, always willing to play their favorite games. He enjoyed time with the families in the Riverside neighborhood where he resided. Jim was always willing to listen when someone needed advice or a meaningful conversation, offering kind words of encouragement and a fresh perspective, leaving a lasting impression on everyone he encountered.

Jim is survived by his wife, Robin; his sons, Terry Murphy of Minneapolis, Jeremy (Tamara) Murphy of Fargo and Nicholas Murphy of Grand Forks; his brothers Charlie (Helen) Murphy of Eagan and Jerry (Lori) Murphy of Grand Forks; his sisters Sheila (Darrel) Alm of Duluth, Denise Rydholm of Eden Prairie and Ellen (David) Klym of Cody, Wyo.; four grandchildren Max Gordon, Brinley, Emsley and Whitley Murphy; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Tim and mother, Helen.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 4, 2018 at Augustana Lutheran Church, 520 University Ave., Grand Forks

VISITATION: 5-7 p.m. with a 6:30 p.m. prayer service on  Friday, August 3, 2018 at Augustana Lutheran Church.

INTERMENT:  Bellevue Cemetery, Larimore, ND.