LTC James K. Murphy, US Army (Ret.) Ph.D., formerly of Leavenworth, KS passed away at the age of 92 on Thursday, May 22, 2025, in Pensacola, FL.

A Purple Heart, Bronze Star for Meritorious Achievement and a Bronze Star for Heroism in Ground Combat recipient while a member of the Green Berets attached to the 82nd Airborne serving combat tours in Korea, Vietnam, and Panama - "ALL THE WAY - De Oppresso Liber" - LTC Murphy retired from teaching at the Command and General Staff College for the US Army to Leavenworth in 1975 and held various positions in higher education upon his retirement. He taught Political Science and Public Policy for Donnelly College, Kansas State Penitentiary - Lansing and until his retirement in 1996 at the University of Saint Mary when he was named Professor Emeritus. Additionally, Dr. Murphy worked as a public servant for the Leavenworth Kiwanis Club, Saint Casimir's Parish Council and was elected State Representative for the 41st district as well as named Legislative Liaison to former Governor Carlin's staff in Topeka in the early 1980s and later in the 1990s as a city commissioner and two-time mayor for the city of Leavenworth.

He is survived by his wife, Kathie Sparks of Cantonment, FL; five of his children, James Murphy (Susie) of Topeka, KS, Ken Murphy (Nancy) of Virginia Beach, VA, Sheila Murphy of Lawrence, KS, Katie Holmes (Brian) of Lansing, KS and Sean Murphy (Darcy) of Leavenworth, KS as well as numerous grand and great-grandchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30am Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at St. Joseph Church in Leavenworth, KS. Burial at the Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery with full military honors to follow at 12:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Veterans of Foreign Wars VFW - POST 56, 519 Cherokee St. Leavenworth, KS 66048.