Obituary of Timothy Joseph Murphy

Timothy J.”Murph” Murphy, 72, passed away at his  home on Saturday, November 16, 2024, surrounded by friends and family after a battle with cancer.

Tim was born in Clinton, Iowa, the son of Charles and Grace (Shanahan) Murphy. Tim graduated from St. Mary's High School in Clinton where he was a standout basketball player and track athlete. He later graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in nutrition.  For a number of years, he and his partner, Van owned and operated Clean Cut Lawn Care. Tim then worked for Ecolotree, before beginning his job at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics from where he retired from. Tim has spent the last 50 years of his life in Iowa City. 

As an avid runner, Tim competed in many Bix Runs in Davenport, and won various distance races in his age group throughout the years. With the assistance of his training partner, Craig Carr and running partner, Curt Ritter, Tim was able to compete in the United States Senior Olympics twice, placing in the top 10 both times! He enjoyed many music festivals, including The Grateful Dead, Led Zepplin, Rolling Stones and attending Blues Festivals. Tim had a lush garden in his backyard, full of vegetables, raspberries/strawberries and flowers always sharing with his friends. And of course he loved his pets, Claudia, Wally, Gooner and Gussie.  He enjoyed riding his motorcycle and driving his vintage white Mercedes around town.

Tim was a member and Past President of the County Johnson Irish, having traveled to Ireland, and many other destinations where he loved to run on the beaches. He was a loyal Hawkeyes fan and enjoyed attending Cubs games with his brother Gerry and nephews Ryan and Eric. The last 9 winters were spent in Green Valley, Arizona, where he and An made many new friends. Tim's hearty laugh and broad smile will be missed by all who loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents and wife Jan Liggett. His family includes brothers, Gerry Murphy (Trudy) and Dennis Murphy of Clinton; sister, Melissa Murphy of New York City; nephews, Eric, Ryan, Troy and Matt Murphy; partner, An Leonard and her children, Jake Fevold (Jenny), Luke “Irish” Leonard and Bess Hanrahan (Kyle). 

A Celebration of Life event will be held in March 2025. A tree in his memory will be planted at Scott Park. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to National Parks Service, or the Emma Goldman Clinic in Iowa City.