James “Jim” P. Murray Sr.

January 25, 1942 - September 4, 2024

St. Thomas of Villanova Church (on campus)

800 E. Lancaster Ave.

Villanova, PA 19085

Wednesday 9/11, 9:00 am - 10:45 am

St. Thomas of Villanova/Rosemont Chapel

1229 E. Lancaster Ave.

Rosemont, PA 19010

Tuesday 9/10, 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Calvary Cemetery

199 Old Gulph Rd.

Conshohocken, PA 19428

Wednesday 9/11

St. Thomas of Villanova Church (on campus)

800 E. Lancaster Ave.

Villanova, PA 19085

Wednesday 9/11, 11:00 am

MURRAY

James P. “Jim” Sr., age 82, on September 4, 2024, of Villanova, PA.

A proud graduate of St. Joseph’s Prep (‘59) and St. Joseph’s University (’63), where he captained the soccer team, Jim dedicated his life to “The Prep” for 47 years, as an educator, athletic director, and soccer coach. Throughout his coaching career, he won 620 games, retiring as the second-winningest coach in Pennsylvania state history.

When not leading his own teams to victory, Jim was an avid Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles fan, especially when his sons fired up the grill for a Birds tailgate.

More important than his accomplishments and accolades on the pitch, he was most proud of his time in the classroom, shaping the lives of generations of Men for Others who walked the halls of 17th and Girard.

Jim is predeceased by his wife, Carole A. (nee Redding) Murray, his parents, Helen (nee Preston), and James J.A. Murray, and brother, Kevin.

He is survived and loved by his five children, Beth, Jackie (Toby), Jim (Linda), Drew (Kristin), and Chris (Karen), his 14 grandchildren, Katelynn (Tim), Matthew, Tori (Oliver), Patrick, Harrison, Timothy, Courtney (Mike), Allison, Erin, J.P., Scarlett, Alexandra, Bridget, and Charlie, and his great-grandchildren, Brayden, Dylan, Carly, Redding, Ryan, and Baby Nugent, who we expect any day. He is also survived by his brother, Brendan Murray (Karen), and his sister-in-law, Mary Murray.

Relatives & friends are invited to his Viewing Tuesday September 10th from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM at the Rosemont Chapel of St. Thomas of Villanova Parish, located at 1229 E. Lancaster Ave., Rosemont, PA. A second Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 11th 9:00 AM – 10:45 AM followed by his Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM at St. Thomas of Villanova Church on Villanova University’s campus, located at 800 E Lancaster Ave, Villanova, PA 19085. Interment Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the St. Joseph’s Prep Soccer Program. Contributions can be sent to St. Joseph’s Prep, 1733 Girard Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19130. Please note in memo, “Prep Soccer.”

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St. Thomas of Villanova Church (on campus)

800 E. Lancaster Ave.

Villanova, PA 19085

Map

Wednesday 9/11, 9:00 am - 10:45 am

St. Thomas of Villanova/Rosemont Chapel

1229 E. Lancaster Ave.

Rosemont, PA 19010

Map

Tuesday 9/10, 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Calvary Cemetery

199 Old Gulph Rd.

Conshohocken, PA 19428

Map

Wednesday 9/11

St. Thomas of Villanova Church (on campus)

800 E. Lancaster Ave.

Villanova, PA 19085

Map

Wednesday 9/11, 11:00 am

MURRAY James P. “Jim” Sr., age 82, on September 4, 2024, of Villanova, PA. A proud graduate of St. Joseph’s Prep (‘59) and St. Joseph’s University (’63), where he captained the soccer team, Jim dedicated his life to “The Prep” for 47 years, as an educator, athletic director, and soccer coach. Throughout hisContinue Reading

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I am deeply saddened by the news of the loss of Coach Murray. My time with him as a player, and as a proud member of the first Prep soccer teams to reach the Catholic League Championship, were the most formative of my life. He was a man of character, honesty, commitment and kindness. He treated all of us as men from the day we walked onto the field until the day we graduated, and encouraged us to succeed. His spirit will live on in all of us, and I am forever grateful.

Coach taught and mentored so many of us on the soccer field and in the classroom. When I let some of our opponents from Bonner, O’Hara and Carroll known about his passing, everyone of them responded with how much they liked him, even when playing against us. RIP Coach.

With deepest sympathy, The Office of Catholic Education

Heart Of Peace was purchased for the family of James Murray by Anonymous. Send Flowers

Mr. Murray was a true gentleman and educator. Many years after I graduated we reconnected and he became a friend. He surely rests in God's care.

Truly a man for others: my math teacher, soccer coach, athletic director, and fellow coach. He literally changed my life and put me in a position to succeed. I am forever grateful for Jim. A.M.D.G.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

A wonderful person who gave his life to the Prep. I will miss the great conversations I had with him about Prep crew. We will miss him at the class of ‘59 gathering at the Avalon Country Club. My sons ‘86 and ‘92 benefited from his guidance. of Prep athletics. Rest in peace Jim.

Florist's Choice Bouquet was purchased for the family of James Murray by Anonymous. Send Flowers

Drew - My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family.

Rest in peace, Mr. Murray. May you win the Catholic League every year in heaven!

My condolences to the entire Murray family for the passing of "Coach" Murray. Mr Murray brought passion, drive, inspiration, and integrity to the soccer field, classroom, and all aspects of his life. He walked through the world with purpose. I was fortunate enough to play for and coach with Mr Murray for a number of years. What I appreciated about (and learned from) Coach Murray was his dedication to learning about people, understanding their motivations, and the importance of building team culture. Jim was an MFO (Man For Others), mentor, and friend. I will miss him and try to live his values. My deepest sympathy to the Murray family for Jim's passing.

Coach Murray was truly a great person man, and coach. Prayers and Condolences to the Murray family. Matt Swanick - '85

Mr. Murray was a great friend to our family. So lucky to have been around him at the Prep and have learned much from him. Thoughts and prayers for the family from ours.

My condolences to the entire Murray family. Me. Murray prepared generations of us awkward, insecure, faith-challenged young men into faith-filled, confident and ready to take on the world Preppers. I was just with a few classmates and his name came up as one of the hallmark faculty that positively impacted our Class of 1982. Rest in Peace Mr. Murray, Job well done!

I had many interactions with Jim Murray during my years at the Prep. He was a great person. My condolences to his family. He was a true Prepper.

One of the best of the class of '59. He was a positive and lasting influence on the many that he touched through the years.

Mr. Murray was one of the legendary fixtures at The Prep, having taught and coached generations of young men. I had the privilege of knowing him amd graduating with his son, Drew. He will be greatly, but his legacy continues through those he influenced.

He helped create a bright spot at the prep with many positive contributions. Will be missed by many.

He helped create a bright place at the prep with many positive contributions.

Jim was a good friend for more than 50 years. We went together on a memorable field trip to Gettysburg in 1956 with Mr. Gordon Wright for being his best Latin students. We were in the same class for 8 years and even double-dated once in h.s. Jim was always a bright guy and highly competitive. His devotion to his family and the Prep was his gift to the world. Oh, and maybe his devotion to his soccer teams too. God bless Jim and the whole Murray family.

Jimmy - prayers that your Dad has eternal peace and happiness with our Lord and Savior in Heaven. Love you. Cosmas, Kelli and Kylie Lykos

Heavenly Harmony was purchased for the family of James Murray by Lykos Family. Send Flowers

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

My thoughts and prayers to the entire Murray family. Mr. Murray was a great man who positively affected so many with his actions. Rest In Peace.

A memorial tree was planted in memory of James Murray . Plant a Tree

Mr. Murray was always kind to me and others. He really looked out for me during my time as a student and as a teacher there. My condolences to the entire Murray Family. He will be missed.

My condolences to the family. I never had Mr. Murray for any classes or as a coach, but he loomed large in the halls of SJP. Felt honored that he knew and used my name when he said hello to me despite not being one of his students or players. It always left an impression. Rest in Peace.

He was a great man and one of the most positive influences on my life. Coach and teacher don’t quite describe his ability to lead, inspire and engender a love of school and self respect that he did with the many students and athletes that came in contact with him. I will be forever grateful to have been one of those individuals. Rest in peace Coach.You did a spectacular job in life.

My sincere condolences to you Drew & Family. May your dad rest in eternal peace. May his legacy and great work live on in you and everyone he has touched over the years. Sending comfort and prayers.

Hello my name is John jervay class of 99. Mr. Murray was truly a man for others and I send my love and condolences to his family

I have known Mr. Murray for the past 40 years as a friend and as a coach. As a referee I respected him as a gentleman and will miss him in life and on the soccer field. Thanks for all you have done for all of us.

Only good memories from a friend and colleague. My condolences to the family.

Only great memories from a friend and colleague. Condolences to the family.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.

James “Jim” P. Murray Sr.

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