Charlton: James J. Murphy, Jr., 93, of Charlton, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 18th, in the Care One at Millbury Nursing Home, after a short illness.

He leaves his wife of 68 years, Sylvia B. (Pignataro) Murphy; and his daughter, Sylvia A. Murphy of Sturbridge and his son James J. Murphy, III of Charlton; his two sisters, Jane Pelkey of Worcester and Mary Lou Shagro of Worcester; and several nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by three brothers, William Murphy, John Murphy and Joseph Murphy and two sisters, Jean Murphy and Shirley Dowd.  He was born in Worcester the son of James J. and Lena G. (Duclos) Murphy.  He was a 1948 graduate of St. John's High School in Worcester and received both his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Education from Worcester State Teachers College (now Worcester State University).  He served overseas in the US Army for two years.

James was a teacher and principal for Worcester Elementary Schools for 42 years, retiring as a teacher and assistant principal at the Granite Street Elementary School.  He was a fisherman, an  avid gardener and a voracious reader. He was most especially a very loving father and husband.

James family would like to thank the staff from Ascend Hospice and Care One at Millbury for all of the care and compassion they gave him during his illness.

His funeral will be held on Thursday, Feb. 22nd, from the Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge, with a Mass at 10:00am in St. Joseph's Church, 10 H. Putnam Rd. EXT., Charlton.  Burial will follow in Northside Cemetery, Charlton.  Calling hours in the funeral home will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 21st, from 5:00 to 7:00pm.