Jim Murphy
October 6, 1932 - May 15, 2012
Our friend Jim Murphy has passed into eternity. His long time friend and bandmate Joe Fili writes:
Jim Murphy was both mentor and musical father to me. When he first hired me to play in The Pine Barons, I could barely play the fiddle. He stuck with me, gave me confidence, helped me get beyond stage fright, and with the patience of a saint, stood by as I developed my playing.
Despite his advanced years, he was taken before his time, and for this and much more, I grieve. However, he lived long enough to enjoy his induction into the Old Time Country Music Hall of Fame, in Missouri Valley, Iowa. We should all be very proud that a talent of this caliber was a fellow New Jerseyan. He will be sorely missed. Thanks for everything, Jim.
Joe Fili
The following is from Jim's obituary:
Jim Murphy passed away on May 15th at Jersey Shore Medical Center. 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. 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, Jack, Shelagh and Katie, Julia, Liz, Emily and Eddie, Danielle and Erica.
Jim was a proud member of the Old Guard and was a Eucharistic Minister and lector at St.Dominic’s Church.
Family and friends may call on Sunday, May 20, 2012 from 1-5 PM at the O’Brien Funeral Home, 505 Burnt Tavern Road, Brick, NJ. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday at 10AM at St. Dominic’s Church, 250 Old Squan Road, Brick, NJ. Burial to follow at NJ Veterans Cemetery, Arneytown, NJ
In lieu of flowers, please contribute to “St. Vincent de Paul” of St. Dominic’s Church to help the needy in his parish.
Jim Murphy and the Pine Barons
Jim Murphy and the Pine Barons
Top photo from www.jimmur.com.
Our thanks to Roy Everett and our friends at the Pineland Cultural Society for graciously allowing us to use their image of Jim and The Pine Barons.