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Jim Murphy Obituary
Brick
Jim Murphy, passed away on Tuesday, May 15, 2012, at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune. He was affectionately known as "The Pine Baron" as he headed a country music and blue grass band of that name for 44 years. He received many awards for his singing and for songs he has written. He was Assistant Superintendent of Brick Schools for many years. Jim was a proud member of the Old Guard and was an Eucharistic Minister and lector at St. Dominic's Church. He was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather.
He leaves behind his wife of 59 years, Shelagh Marie. Also their 6 children, Shelagh Julia, Tim and wife Suzanne, Mary and husband Larry, Gerry and wife Cyndi, Ann and husband Ed, Chris and wife Lisa. Also their 13 wonderful grandchildren, Jack, Shelagh and Katie, Oliver, Megan and husband Scott, Kaitlyn and husband Mike, Karagh, Julia, Liz, Emily and Eddie, Danielle and Erica.
Family and friends may call from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 20, 2012 at the O'Brien Funeral Home, 505 Burnt Tavern Road, Brick. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, May 21 at St. Dominic's Church, 250 Old Squan Road, Brick. Burial to follow at NJ Veterans Cemetery, Arneytown. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to "St. Vincent de Paul" of St. Dominic's Church to help the needy in his parish.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jim Murphy
Joe Wills
May 12, 2021
Jim was an absolute gentleman! I remember him visiting us when our kids were young and how "tuned in" to them he was...an essential skill for his calling as Ass't Superintendent for Elementary Education.
Jim came on my radio program, Burlington County Bluegrass, on WBZC FM, a few times and performed with his band and talked about country and bluegrass music. Jim was a fixture in those genre's here at the Shore; I think of him often and people still mention his name...
Scott Linton
May 30, 2012
To: The Murphy's,
Jim was such a Deliteful Talent & Will Be "MISSED GREATLY",
I was a Great Fan of His Music !
My Deepest Sympathy Goes Out to Your Family for Your Tremendous Loss, I Hope in Time Your Hearts will Heal...
May God Bless You All... :)
Love, Scott Linton
May 30, 2012
I was touched by his passion for children and love of family--a beautiful human being.
Lou Aragona (Florida)
Michael James Leslie
May 29, 2012
Jim Murphy was part of a spectacular group of teachers who changed my life at Brielle Elementary School. I do not believe that there was a school in New Jersey at the time that possessed the quality of teachers as Mr. Murphy, Mr. Behan, Miss Bennett, Mr. Gillingham, Mr. Stavres, Anna E. Lorentz, Mr. Argento and others. They formed the person who I am today.
Mr. Murphy was a kind,compassionate, erudite man and I believe he is one of the reasons I became musical and am in show business today. May God bless his soul.
Doug Linton III
May 27, 2012
Although they say we are all alike, I contend Jim Murphy was a man like no other. His genuine concern for people was sincere and refreshing...and an amazing trait spanning his decades. I will remember him not only for what he did but indeed how he did it. His concept of a sing-along "Happy Hour" for after school detention was unique and, to this day, powerful. BTW, I notice Mr. Carmen Magliano posting in this guestbook -- my 6th grade teacher who proved our best and most memorable mentors are the ones who challenge us.
(Thank you sir; you, like Jim Murphy, were among the very best the world has to offer)! Jim Murphy was firm but fair and certainly treated everyone with dignity. His legacy and compassion have touched hundreds if not thousands. He will never really "die" as he gave himself away over the years and lives now in the hearts and minds of so many. God Bless you Jim...now, enjoy your time with Hank Williams.
I wish I could be there to hear him tell you that you got it right most of the time :)
Pamela Coratti
May 23, 2012
My sympathies to Murphy's family. I will miss the music.
Stephen Coratti
May 23, 2012
I will greatly miss Murph!! He and his music was an inspiration to me!! Let us keep him in our hearts for a while!! We will miss Jim!!!
Pam Murray-McCoy
May 22, 2012
My mother called from N.J. yesterday to tell me Mr. Murphy had passed away. She taught with him & he was my 6th grade teacher @Brielle Elem. 1962-63. I remember him playing his guitar & teaching us "Mrs. Murphy's Chowder".
Although I've lived outside Nashville ever since I went to Vanderbilt for college, I was lucky enough to see and talk to him when the TMA came to the Ryman (98?). I was shocked that he remembered me! Such a great guy!
Corny as it sounds, I sang a chorus of "Mrs. Murphy" last night in his honor; I will be lighting a real candle for him my next trip to church.
We lost a wonderful person, but God gained a great angel!!
Linda Stanton
May 22, 2012
I just heard of Jim's passing last evening. His talent, his Irish humor and his love of the Pine Barrens are just a few of the things I will miss. He is a true "Pine Barrens Celebrity."
Emily Russell
May 22, 2012
My heart is so broken by the loss of Jim, my grandpop. He truly was such an amazing man. He never failed to teach me something new, and I would not be the woman I am today without his influence. I could never thank him enough for all of the love, wisdom, and laughs he gave to me and the rest of our family. I miss you more than you know Grandpop, but I am so happy for your peace. I love you forever<3 watch over me always
May 21, 2012
It was my good fortune to begin teaching in Bay Head when Jim Murphy was our principal.Unfortunatately, (for us), he left for Brick the following year. He was a great guy and it was a pleasure to be working for him. My sincerest condolences to his family.
Carmen Magliano
Laura Coratti
May 20, 2012
The viewing today was lovely. Proudly standing near Murph's coffin was his cowboy hat and his guitar. He was such a lovely talented Irish man. My condolences to his beautiful wife Sheila, their children, grandchildren and many friends who showed up. It was standing room only. MURPH was a good friend to my Dad, Nicholas Coratti, who spoke at the viewing. The entire Coratti Family Mourns and will miss him and his music.
May 20, 2012
So sorry Shelagh Jim's passing is a great loss to his family and the community. Your old neighbor from Colonial Drive, Ginny Sweeney, daughter of Ed and Virginia Sweeney
Tom Stevenson
May 20, 2012
Thank you Jim for allowing me to share a mutual passion with you, and for being such a great friend and teacher. My 12 Pine Baron years will always be a great chapter in my life. You will always be the greatest entertainer east of the mississippi river, well make that east of the delaware river. Love always, your friend Tom
May 20, 2012
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of your beloved husband. I am a long time fan of Hank Williams and wrote a number of emails to Jimmy and he called me Lori. Rest in Peace Jimmy and play along with Hank and all the country angels. My sympathy to all his family. Peace, Lori Jarrard (Manalapan, NJ.
Joe O'Rourke
May 19, 2012
Jim was a wonderful person.I work at the Brick Post office and I have know Jim for about 27 years.It was an honor to know him and we had many laughs over the years.He told such great stories and we spoke of Albert Hall so,so many times.My parents are buried at NJ Veterans Cemetery,and I will visit Jim when I visit my parents.I will miss seeing him walk through that door and greet me as only Jim could.Your family was very lucky to have such a special person.
Mike Donkin
May 18, 2012
My father Al played music with Jim for many years. So I got to know Jim from watching "Jim Murphy and the Pine Barons" play shows and listening to practice jam sessions in our basement. In addition to being a talented writer and musician, I also found Jim to be a very kind, warm, good-hearted person. He will be deeply missed! Tina and I send our thoughts and prayers to the entire Murphy family.
Laura McInnis Monk
May 18, 2012
Mary and family,
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Mr. Murphy was such an inspiration to me....his passion for his music and family was so visible. I am honored to have known him and must tell you he was my unit of measure in my music as well...when I was young it was my goal to still be playing music when I got to be old like him (ha...now I am the age that he was when I thought him old!)and now it is my goal to just keep on playing as long as I can...he's playing with the greatest band of all now....I know you will miss him, but you have his music in all of your hearts!
God speed,
Love,
Laura(Mary's college friend)
Joe Wills
May 18, 2012
Jim was a true gentleman, and one of the nicest people I've known in the music world. He was also New Jersey's best country music entertainer.
Jim was guest several times on my radio program, and I had the honor to present him with the Lifetime Achievement So Far Award last November at the Lighthouse Center in Waretown.
We were all Jim's extended family. We'll all miss him...
Joe Wills, Host - Burlington County Bluegrass.
Jim Stites
May 18, 2012
My wife Natalie and I are extremely saddened by the passing of Jim. While a member of the Brick Board of Education I got to know him to be a superior educator,a gentleman and friend. His "newbilly" music will be missed as will his pleasant smile. Because of Jim, the world is a better place. My sincere condolences to the family.
Maryanne Anema-Norman
May 18, 2012
I was saddened to hear about the passing of Mr. Murphy. He was my 7th grade teacher in 1961 and one of my favorites. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Robbin & Kerry Sneddon
May 18, 2012
Sending deepest condolences to Jim's lovely wife Shelagh, and their family. Jim was a true gentleman and an inspirational musician who blessed the lives of so many. May the good Lord comfort you all with peace and healing at this difficult time.
Extending our love,
Robbin & Kerry Sneddon
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