James Murphy's life was celebrated as support was sent to his family
James Murphy's life was celebrated as support was sent to his family
(Image: Supplied)
People have paid tribute to a “real gentleman” who died last month. James Murphy, from Stockbridge Village, died on August 23 at the age of 36.
James had been diagnosed with cardiomyopathy - a condition that affects the heart's ability to pump blood around the body - when he was 18. He went on to receive a heart transplant at 21 and recovered. But shortly after the birth of one of his daughters, James fell unwell again and was subsequently told his heart was failing. The Everton fan spent much of the rest of his life in hospital.
On August 3, doctors told the family he had “around 12 hours left” but the dad carried on. During his stay in a hospice, they were sent a video by former Blues player Duncan Ferguson and received a visit from club captain Seamus Coleman.
It wasn't until over two weeks later on Saturday, August 23 that James died. He leaves behind his wife Jessica, 35, and their children Gabriella, 18, Riley, 14, Nevaeh, 13, Esmae, nine, Elsy-Rose, seven, and baby James, one.
Due to the amount of times he had defied predictions, the loss still hasn’t fully sunk in for the family.
Speaking to the ECHO earlier this week, his widow Jessica Murphy, 35, said: “They told us, this was wrong, that was wrong, but every single time he got better. We thought, ‘they said in 2018 that he wouldn’t have long, it’s now 2025’. You just keep believing that it's going to be fine. It just doesn't feel real at the minute.
”He was lovely, he'd do anything for anyone, very family oriented. He never let anyone see that he was struggling. He got on with everything and helped everybody the best you can. He was just an all-round amazing person.
His sister Hayley Murphy, 38, added: “He was funny. I miss him - I miss his jokes and his character, he was very witty. He absolutely adored his kids. He was really family oriented. He didn't really go out with friends, he'd rather spend time with his family.
“The doctors used to say, James is so unpredictable, he will be the one to guide us through because we’ve said one thing and he’s done another.”
James leaves behind his wife Jessica, 35, and their six children
James leaves behind his wife Jessica, 35, and their six children
Following the article, many ECHO readers have paid tribute to James, including those that knew him. Writing on the ECHO’s Facebook page, Lindsay Fay said: “I went to school with James, this is so sad. RIP.
Joanne Hodson said: “Rest well Jay.” Jade Chesworth said: “Thinking of my amazing cousin Jessica Murphy and her babies. Rest easy Jay, forever 36.”
In the comment section of the article, user Staract said: “Aw James, this is so sad. RIP my mate, you will always be a part of my childhood memories.”
Les103 added: “So sad. A real gentleman who cared for his wife and family. He was also a Blue. It’s so sad, too early.”
Many others have been touched by James’s story. Pamela Newsome said: “Heartbreaking. Thoughts are with the family.”
Commenter 556624 said: “What a heartbreaking article. Condolences to his family at this very sad time.”
User racecarisracecarbackwards said: “Seems to only happen to the good ones. Thinking of his family - who will no doubt carry on his legacy and make him proud.”
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help cover the cost of a funeral and support the family at this devastating time.
Jessica said: “Because he was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and then he had the heart transplant, he was always a risk anyway and he was never able to obtain life insurance or anything like that.”
Hayley added: “We've been trying to get as much money as we can as a family together but it's a lot of money to try and get together on the deadline.
“It's a lot of pressure on Jess because she's grieving as well and she's got six kids to look after. She should be allowed to grieve her husband, not having to chase people to help her out.
“It's been a tough 10 years. All we want to do is just give him a nice send off. It shouldn’t be like this, he was 36.”