Obituary: Christopher Lesley Murphy
Christopher Lesley “Chris” Murphy of Manito, Ill., died February 24 at the age of 35. A native of Peoria, Ill., Murphy was the son of James E. Murphy Jr. and Carrie L. Jackson.
He is survived by two sons, Samuel and Nolan Murphy; his fiancé, Candice Alaniz; his father, James E. “Jim” Murphy Jr. (Sandra); his mother, Carrie L. Jackson; a sister, Jessica Murphy (Robert); two step-brothers, Augi Tudela (Amber) and Zach Tudela (Bre); two step-sisters, Heather Saul (Sam) and Vanessa Watson (Cody); his future in-laws and extended family.
Chris Murphy graduated from New Hope Christian Academy in Pekin, Ill., in 2008 and from The River School in Memphis, Tenn., in 2014. He started out in the maritime industry with American River Transportation Company (ARTCo). He most recently served as a captain for Illinois-based Middle River Marine.
“He became a steersman for me about 15 years ago,” Jim Murphy said.
Jim Murphy said his son was carrying on a long-held Murphy family legacy in the maritime industry that went back to Chris’ great grandfather. Chris’ paternal grandparents even first met through the maritime industry, with his grandmother working as a maid’s helper in the early 1950s.
“That’s how my father and mother met,” Jim Murphy said. “They ran into each other on a boat.”
Jim Murphy called his some “a natural” mariner and steersman. At the time of his death, Chris Murphy was captain aboard Middle River’s mv. Kamryn Olivia, a Z-drive vessel that Jim Murphy said he learned to steer “right off the bat.”
“He got to do something he loved,” Jim Murphy said of Chris’ career in the maritime industry. “Not everyone can say that.”
“Chris’ finest achievements were becoming a father to his two sons, Samuel and Nolan, and becoming a boat captain,” his official obituary stated. “He is remembered by those who knew him as a hilarious prankster with a big, loving heart. His family will miss his humor, pranks, jokes and his ability to make anyone laugh, no matter the situation.”
A visitation and memorial service was held March 3 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home in Pekin, Ill., with Josh Beutow, pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Tremont, Ill., officiating.
