The Reverend James Wayne Murphy

July 22, 1939 - January 23, 2021

The Reverend James Wayne Murphy, 81, died January 23, 2021 after a long illness. He was born July 22, 1939 in Louisville to William and Vita Ritz Murphy. Father attended school at St. Aloysius (Pewee Valley), and both St. Thomas and St. Meinrad Seminaries and was ordained into the priesthood May 8, 1965 at the Cathedral of the Assumption by Archbishop Floresh. He served at Mother of Good Counsel, St. Barnabas, Most Blessed Sacrament, St. Augustine (Lebanon), St. Stephen Martyr, St. Denis, Guardian Angels and St. Thomas More Parishes before retiring in June 2004. Father also served two terms as President of the Catholic School Athletic Association. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his siblings, Sister Mary Amelia Murphy, RSM, and Ronald C. Murphy, as well as sisters-in-law Claudette Murphy and Carole Murphy and a brother-in-law, James Heslin. Survivors include two brothers, William P. Murphy and Robert J. Murphy (Charlotte) and sisters Geraldine M. Heslin and Mary C. Laemmle (Dave). He also leaves behind fifteen nieces and nephews, his best friend Diana Meyer, and a host of good friends and former parishioners. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, January 28th at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 6105 S. Third Street. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday at Ratterman and Sons, 3800 Bardstown Road and after 10 a.m. Thursday at the church. A private family burial will take place at St. Aloysius Cemetery in Pewee Valley. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to St. Thomas More Catholic Church. Online condolences may be shared at www.ratterman.com.