Gerald “Jim” Dean Murphy, 71, of Walnut Hill, passed away Friday, March 4, 2022 at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia. Jim worked as a truck driver for many years and retired from Wheaton Plastics. He served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He was a member of the Salem Masonic Lodge 130, Shriners, ABATE, Centralia V.F.W. Post 2055 and present Commander, Centralia American Legion Post 446, Forty and Eight, and President of the Mad Dogs. Jim was an avid biker, he enjoyed camping and spending time with his family and friends.
The Visitation for Jim Murphy will be held Friday, March 11, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia. Masonic Rites will be accorded Friday night at 7:00 PM at the funeral home. The Funeral Service will be held Saturday, March 12, 2022 at 10:00 AM at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia with Pastor Jeff Moore officiating. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia. The Last Ride Motorcycle Hearse will be honoring Jim with his last ride to his final resting place and the family requests that all motorcycles to be at the funeral home by 9:00 AM on Saturday. Military Honors will be accorded at the gravesite by the Centralia American Legion Post 446 and the Centralia, V.F.W. Post 2055. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, who is honored to be of service to the Murphy Family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home Facebook Page.
He married Constance “Connie” Nelson on March 3, 1998 in Dayton Beach, Florida, and she survives. In addition to his wife of 24 years, Connie Murphy of Walnut Hill, he is also survived by his children: Brittany Ott and husband Justin of Middletown, Gerald Murphy, Jr. of Centralia,, Cora Lundgreen-Murphy of Centralia, Beth Bourque of Centralia, and Josh Bourque of Centralia; four grandchildren: Tristan Riddle, Wyatt Marshall, Kaleb Marshall, and Breanna Murphy; four step children: Tim Ramsey of Centralia, Bobby Alli of Centralia, Carol Smith of Centralia, and Tara Ramsey of Centralia; seven step grandchildren: Austin Ramsey, Logan Ramsey, Courtney Alli, Eddie Meyers, David Meyers, Cara Dunahee, and Robbie Dunahee; three sisters: Toni McClain of Arkansas, Bobbie Frye and husband Wayne of Lincoln, and Flo Stamm and husband Dale of Indiana; three brothers-in-law: Dennis Peterson of Mount Pulaski, Dennis Reves of Lincoln and Robert Nelson of Kansas; three sisters-in-law: Sherry Easley and husband Jon of Iuka, Martha Currie of Mt. Vernon and Dreatha Jackson of Mississippi; father and mother-in-law: Robert Nelson and wife Elaine of Kell; and several nieces, nephews and friends.
Jim was born May 11, 1950 in Paris, Illinois, the son of Robert Alexander and Frances Patricia (Lopez) Murphy. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, a brother: William Ross Murphy, two sisters: Jessie Reves and Patricia Peterson, and a two brothers-in-law: Keith Nelson and Mike McClain.
