James S. Murphy ’44

Jim died of cancer Feb. 5, 2007, at his home in Deep River, Conn.

He was for many years associate professor of virology at Rockefeller University, making significant discoveries using electron microscopy on the morphology of influenza virus, and applying computer protocols to laboratory projects as early as the 1970s.

Born in Manhattan, he prepped at Milton (Mass.) Academy. At Princeton he roomed at 15 Edwards Place, then later in Blair, and majored in biology in the accelerated wartime program. Jim was publicity manager of Theatre Intime, but left us in 1942 for military service and medical school. He graduated second in his class from Johns Hopkins University in 1945.

Jim spent almost every summer of his life on Mount Desert Island and was happiest cruising the Maine coast or racing his Cal 48 sailboat, with his children and their friends as crew. He retired from Rockefeller University in 1989.

Jim is survived by Victoria, his wife of 43 years; sons James B. ’73 and William L.; daughters Wendy Bickford, Carol Lyden, and Alice ’88; and 11 grandchildren, all of whom he lauded in our 60th-reunion book. Our sincere condolences go to his family. We have lost a wise, dedicated, and civil gentleman.