James J. "Chief" Murphy, 79, of Whitehall, died Jan. 10, 2015, in St. Luke's Hospice House, Bethlehem. He and his wife Theresa (Martin) Murphy were married 61 years last August.

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., he was the son of the late James and Virginia (Mayer) Murphy.

He worked at the former Schaefer and Stroh breweries, Fogelsville, for 45 years in various jobs.

A member of Lehigh County Senior Citizens Center, now Lehigh Valley Active Life, and the former Schaefer Bowling League, he enjoyed working out at LA Fitness, Allentown, and loved to play in Texas Hold'em tournaments.

He was of the Catholic faith.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by daughters Dana wife of Artie Pfeiffer of Bellmore, N.Y., Veronica wife of Phil DeAngelis of Quakertown, Virginia Horvath of Iowa, and Kelly Murphy of Whitehall; sister Veronica of Florida; grandchildren Richard, Jimmy, Philip and Theresa; great-grandson Tanner; nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a grandson, Justin.

Condolences may be offered to the family at kellerfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Luke's Hospice House, 2455 Black River Road, Bethlehem, 18015.

Arrangements were made by Keller Funeral Homes Inc., Fogelsville.