Born October 9, 1952 in Wyandotte Michigan. His hefty birth weight of nearly 10 lbs earned him the nickname "Butch", by which he is still known to his family and friends.
He attended twelve years of Catholic school at St Frances Cabrini School in Allen Park Michigan and graduated from high school in 1970.
He completed his education at Wayne State University School of Social Work in Detroit and received his bachelor's degree in Social Work in 1976. The Social Work program specialized in studies and praticums for casework, group work, and community organization.
Shaped by his father's vocation as a Sea Captain, Jim also received training as an undersea salvage diver at Diver's Training Academy in Fort Pierce, Florida. At this facility Jim was made a team leader of a dive crew and gained valuable experience and insight in working both with men and task oriented groups.
While still a senior in high school, Jim made a decision to surrender the rest of his life to Christ. That decision has had a major impact on every aspect of Jim's life.
Murphy's interest in the world has found him prospecting in Alaska, doing archaeological research in Central and South America, and trekking around the world. His jobs have included grocery stores, restaurants, playing in a band, auto repair, salvage diver, charter boat operator, delivery truck driver, and construction. On one occasion he served as a body guard for Mother Theresa. He has been a guest on the 700 Club, the EWTN network,,and has helped create videos for national broadcast. Jim has authored several articles for various publications and has been a guest on several radio and televison programs.
Jim has worked in the Catholic Church in many capacities. He has been involved in youth ministry on parish, diocesan, national and international levels. He has served as a member of several parish pastoral teams. Murphy has also worked in Religious Education programs including adult formation programs. With the use of guitar, Jim often leads prayer and worship services. He gives parish missions, speaks at retreats, and consults for many parish and diocesan level groups in the Church.
In addition to his work with Vera Cruz Communications, Jim is the former chairman of, and currently a consultant to The National Service Committee for the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. He is the producer of The Choices We Face, a weekly televison program of Renewal Ministries. He is past Chairman of the Youth Executive Committee for the North American Renewal Service Committee, an ecumenical organization. Jim also is a member of the International Catholic Charismatic Renewal Service, whose offices are located at the Vatican, in Rome.
In 1992, inspired by the American Bishops' letter Heritage and Hope, Jim undertook a 4200 mile journey on foot across America, carrying a 6 ft. cross in an effort of prayer and evangelization. The journey took 18 months...and 14 pairs of shoes!
Jim is married to Susan. They live in Western Michigan near Lake Michigan with their son John Patrick.
