Thomas James Murphy
‘Tom’
April 5, 1949 - July 6, 2009

Wednesday, July 8, 2009 10:49 AM PDT

Fruitland

Thomas James “Tom” Murphy, age 60, of Fruitland, passed away Monday, July 6, 2009, at his home. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 8, 2009, at Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, Fruitland. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 9, 2009, at the Assembly of God Church, New Plymouth.

With God’s guidance and promises, Tom’s life was filled with adventures, friends and family. Tom was raised in Gooding, Idaho, by his parents, Vernon W. and Marjorie J. (Warrington) Murphy. With his younger sisters, Gale (Bob) Bosserman and Linda (Jerry) Johnson, they enjoyed life, horses, bicycles, swimming and close connections to grandparents, aunts and uncles and cousins.

In high school, Tom met the love of his life, Irene Bush. They married in Gooding on July 9, 1967. They have two daughters, Trina Roley and Shanna (Paul) Johnson.

They graduated from the College of Southern Idaho, Tom receiving his A.S. in automotive technology. They moved to Boise, Idaho, in 1970. Tom worked at Larry Barnes Chevrolet. During this time, he became involved in racing go-karts. In December of 1971, he raced at the National Go-Kart races in California and finished third in his class. In 1972, he became interested in kayaking. This began his lifelong love of running the rivers, and the close friendships that developed have only become closer with time. In August of 1974, with two friends, the North Fork of the Payette River just above Banks was conquered. They ran most of the Idaho Rivers, some for the first time any kayaker had ran them.

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In 1981, the family moved to the farthest northern point on the continent, Barrow, Alaska. Tom worked as a mechanic and for the North Slope Borough on the utilidor project. Then he began his teaching career. He was a natural teacher in the wood shop, auto shop, welding and mechanic shop for 13 years. He was his son-in-law’s student teacher and then retired when his son-in-law wanted his job!

When he returned to Idaho, he continued his passion of teaching with the Nampa School District.

Tom looked forward to being with Jesus in heaven. The family wants to express their gratitude to all the doctors and nurses that made it able for him to continue to live his life while in treatment.

He leaves behind his wife; two daughters and one son-in-law; three grandchildren, Jenna (Stephen) Sessums, Shevie Johnson and Jessica Roley; and many nieces and nephews. He will continue to influence many lives through the many people he has touched.

He requested, in lieu of flowers, that contributions be made to MSTI Cancer Nursing Department or a charity of your choice, c/o Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, P.O. Box 730, Payette, ID 83661.