Joseph Etienne “Jay” Murphy, age 82 of Salem, passed away on Saturday, July 1, 2023, at his home. Jay was born on August 12, 1940, in Alton, Illinois, the son of Joseph and Mary (Etienne) Murphy.
He married Mary Kay (Kelso) Murphy on September 2, 1961, and she survives in Salem. Survivors include his wife, Mary Kay; children, Steve Murphy and wife Sheila of Salem, Mike Murphy and wife Joyce of Salem, Lynn Murphy and Mark Kozak of Downers Grove, Illinois, and Jack Murphy and wife Michelle of Texico; grandchildren, Tyler Murphy and wife Jody of Wentzville, Missouri, Samantha Murphy of Salem, Jason Murphy and wife Melissa of Ballwin, Missouri, Craig Murphy and wife Brittany of Hermitage, Tennessee, Nick Casey of Nashville, Tennessee, Kyle Casey of Downers Grove, Illinois, Garrett Murphy of Glen Carbon, Illinois, and Katie Murphy of Texico, Illinois; great-grandchildren, Kellen, Keegan and Hudson and two great-grandchildren on the way; siblings, Patty Matthews and husband Tom of The Villages, Florida, and Tom Murphy of Centerville, Massachusetts.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Mary Murphy, and a brother, Bob Murphy. Jay served in the United States Army for three years. After his time of service, in 1965 he went to work as a Banker in various Southern Illinois communities where he worked until retiring in 2005. In retirement, Jay enjoyed spending time with his family, golfing, bowling, doing yard work, and going fishing. He was a very active member at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Salem where he had several roles and responsibilities related to the church and the school. He was a founding member of the Knights of Columbus and a member of the St. Theresa Men’s Club.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 14, 2023, at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Salem with Father Godfrey officiating. Burial will be private. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Theresa Catholic Church and can be left at the church or at Crouse Funeral Home in Salem who is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.CrouseFH.com.
