James Joseph Murtagh Jr

In Celebration of Deputy Chief James Murtagh

It is with great honor that we celebrate the life and legacy of Deputy Chief James Murtagh, a man who dedicated every chapter of his life to serving others with unwavering joy and purpose. James will be laid to rest in his FDNY uniform; a fitting tribute to the family of more than 11,000 brothers and sisters who embraced him as one of their own.

Born into a lively family of five siblings, James found a second home in the FDNY, where he forged bonds as deep and enduring as blood. He wore his badge proudly on his clothes, his car, his golf cart, and across the walls of his office. It was not merely an emblem of duty, but of identity, honor, and love.

James lived many roles with exceptional devotion: husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, mentor, writer, lecturer, golfer, and joyful technophile. Yet above all, he was a man who loved without boundaries. His affection for the job he cherished was matched only by the lifelong love he shared with his wife, whom he met at the age of fifteen and never left her side.

We do not mourn James; instead, we celebrate him. We revel in the example he set, the kindness he spread, and the unshakeable commitment to family, both given and chosen, that defined his remarkable life. His days were filled with joys both simple and extraordinary, and he leaves behind a legacy carried forward in every person fortunate enough to have known him.

May his memory be a guiding light, reminding us to serve with joy, love without hesitation, and live with purpose.

To honor his life and service, James requested that donations be made to the New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation: https://www.nyffburncenter.com/Donate.aspx