John Murray

John's family is deeply saddened to announce his passing. John was the second of six children of Robert and Doris Murray of Short Hills, NJ. He was a resident of Short Hills, NJ; London, U.K.; Princeton, NJ; and Bluffton, SC. John attended the Pingry School (1965) and Wesleyan University (1969). He parlayed a degree in Art History into a successful career as an international bond investor that took his family to London for several years in the 1980's. After returning from London, John abruptly (and largely without consultation) left the glamour of high-finance and marched down to the local high school to see if they needed help coaching the lacrosse team. This first step led to a nearly three decades-long career as an educator, primarily as a middle school English teacher. He taught at Montclair Kimberley Academy, the Chapin School, the Peck School, and his alma mater, Pingry, from which he retired. He forged strong connections with his students and was keenly interested in their pursuits and successes as they continued their educational journeys.
John was a voracious reader and avid cruciverbalist. He was an accomplished tennis player with several club championships under his belt, and played well enough and long enough that neither of his children ever took a full match off him. He enjoyed golf until he didn't. He was a fan of World War II movies, especially The Great Escape and Stalag 17. He might also contend that the final dance scene of Flashdance was cinematic genius. Depending on his mood, he might regale you with such vivid tales as, "Impressions of a Madrid Police Station Holding Cell," or "The Loudest Noise I Ever Heard was Produced by Big Brother and the Holding Company." You were just as likely to endure, "The Current State of High School Lacrosse," or "I've Started a Letter to the Editor." He thought the best way to explore a city was on foot, and he had the blisters to prove it. He will be deeply missed.
John is predeceased by his parents, older brother Bob, and younger siblings, Joan and Mike. John is survived by his brothers Doug and Bill; sons Colin (Annabelle) and Peter (Kelly); grandchildren Owen, Langley, Ethan, and Finn; former wife, and still friend, Barbara, and several nieces and nephews. John's family is grateful for the kindness of his neighbors and community of Bluffton, where he was known to be quick with a wave and easy smile for all he met on his daily walks. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made in John's memory to the Community Food Bank of New Jersey (www.cfbnj.org). Memorial arrangements will be announced at a later date.