The Madison Area USBC has lost one of its greats. Jerry Murphy passed away on November 1 at the age of 81. His full obituary can be found here.
“Murph” was a tremendous all-around athlete, determined competitor, volunteer, and friend.
Doug Moe of the Wisconsin State Journal wrote about Jerry in 2013 when he shot an 821 series at the age of 74. The article gives a glimpse into his prowess as a multi-sport athlete and his contributions to baseball – particularly Monona Home Talent Baseball. The Monona Home Talent Doubles Tournament is the hallmark of fundraising for the baseball team he founded in 1978. The baseball complex at Monona’s Ahuska Park was named Murphy-Anthony Field in Jerry’s and Mike Anthony’s honor.
Beyond sports, Jerry’s contributions to our world are broad and we are all better for having known him. Despite his health challenges, he was ever positive, always with a focus on helping others.
Jerry was inducted into the Veterans category of the Madison Area USBC Hall of Fame in 2002. At the time of his induction, it was noted he had averaged over 200 for the last 25 years. He averaged over 200 every year since, but one, concluding with a 203 average in the OM Cubed league at Dream Lanes in the 2019-20 season.
He has several tournament wins and high finishes over decades of bowling, highlighted by a Wisconsin State Senior Tournament Team Championship with Capital City Coins and three City Senior Scratch Doubles Championships.
He was inducted into the Hall with Jesse Parizo, who Murphy said “I could never beat him, but when I was notified we were both going in, I called Michael Repas-Reed to see who would be first on the program. He informed me I would be the 97th person to enter the hall and Jesse would be 98th. I finally beat Jesse Parizo at something.”
Sounds like something Jerry would say.
On behalf of the Madison Area USBC and our membership, we offer our condolences to the Murphy family. And we thank you, Jerry Murphy, for all that you have done for bowling and for the community over your incredible 81 years.