First District Appellate Justice Michael James Murphy, 71, passed away on Monday, Oct. 1 of an unspecified caused.

Murphy became a Cook County associate judge in 1985. He was elected a circuit judge in 1992 and elected to the 1st District Appellate Court in 2006. 

He was the beloved husband of Mary Ellen, nee Lowrey; loving father of Courtney (Derek) Eovaldi, Nora Lowrey Murphy, and the late Tracy (Trey) Ish. Son of the late Arthur Joseph and Eileen, nee Kelly. Brother of Arthur (Audrey), Mary (Charles) Erickson, Hon. Patrick (Susan), Eileen (Hon. David) Donnersberger, John, Thomas (Margaret) and the late Rev. Joseph Murphy. Fond uncle of Arthur III, Ann, Joann, Kim, Jeannie, Maureen, Matthew, Joe, Mary Eileen, Mark, Justin, Jacob, Molly, Madeline, Clare, Tom, Katie, and Kevin. Cherished grandfather of Albie, Michael, and Katie Ish; Joey, Luke, and Ella Eovaldi. Great-Uncle to many. He was truly loved and will be dearly missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Sacred Heart Monastery, P.O. Box 900, Hales Corners, WI 53130 would be appreciated. Visitation Thursday, October 4 from 3 to 9 p.m. at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home, 6150 N. Cicero Ave, Chicago. All are welcome to meet at Holy Name Cathedral, 735 N. State St., Chicago for visitation Friday morning from 9 a.m. until time of Mass at 10 a.m. Interment private. Info 773-736-3833 or visit Justice Murphy's memorial at www.smithcorcoran.com