By John Knebels • Posted September 18, 2024

Jim Murray’s expansive obituary rivaled any success story. It was his countenance as a fine human being, however, that superseded plentiful professional plaudits.

When Mr. Murray, 82, died on Sept. 4, he left behind a legacy constructed by a half-century’s worth of dedication to St. Joseph’s Prep. After graduating from the Jesuit-based school in 1959, and then St. Joseph’s University (formerly “College”) in 1963, Mr. Murray remained a fixture at his alma mater as an athletic director, math teacher, soccer coach, dean of students, president of the Prep’s alumni board, and constant supporter even after “retiring” in 2016.

Stemming from 44 years as an athletic director – a stint that ultimately welcomed several new sports program at the all-boys school – and 46 as a Prep soccer coach, Mr. Murray’s individual recognition culminated in being inducted into the St. Joseph’s Prep Hall of Excellence in the spring of 2024.

“There isn’t anyone who has a love of the Prep stronger than Jim Murray,” said Bill Avington, SJP’s director of communications and 1990 alum. “He was a servant leader and present at Prep games and events, even after retiring.

“From 1986, when I arrived as a freshman, to 2005, when I came to work at the Prep, through now, Jim was a constant. I am grateful to have known him then and to have gotten to know him as a colleague and a friend. The Prep lost a giant. He was a mentor and friend to generations of Prep Hawks.”

As outlined by Avington shortly after his passing, Mr. Murray’s appreciation included the Prep’s Ignatian Award, the Rev. Charles A. Schnorr, S.J. ’37 Service Award, and the Alumnus of the Year Award. He was inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, the Saint Joseph’s University Athletic Hall of Fame, the SJU Soccer Hall of Fame, and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Soccer Hall of Fame.

His honors included being named Southeastern Pennsylvania Soccer Coaches Association Coach of the Year in both 1996 and 2002, and the Southeastern PA Soccer Coach of the Year in 1989. The Philadelphia Sportswriters Association honored Mr. Murray with a special achievement award in 2007. The Catholic Standard and Times (now CatholicPhilly.com) named him the Coach of the Decade for the 1980s.

“Jim was a legend,” said Dan DiBerardinis, the Prep’s athletic director since 2020. “He was a mentor of mine when I became the AD at Roman Catholic in 2014 and continued over the years. We got closer when I became AD at the Prep.”

“He was incredibly selfless and always there to give advice or a helping hand. Until his last few days, he was still incredibly active in the PCL and attended all of our monthly meetings. We lost a great one, and his memory won’t fade quickly.”

The second leg of a four-generation Prep education, Mr. Murray’s father James, graduated in 1925. Mr. Murray’s three sons (Jim in 1986, Drew in 1990, and Chris in 1995); grandsons Matthew Iacoviello (2008) and JP Murray (2024); brothers Brendan (1964) and the late Kevin (1965); and nephews Sean (1990), Mike (1994), and Andrew (2001) all graduated from the Prep.

In the fall of 2010, Mr. Murray experienced one of his greatest thrills when his Prep soccer team defeated Archbishop Wood, 2-1, to win their first (and only) PCL Catholic League championship. The victory ended a 15-game championship losing streak. Back then, PCL soccer was divided into Northern and Southern Divisions, and although the Prep dominated the South, it could not get past the much-stronger North.

Until, finally, the Hawks garnered glory on Nov. 2, 2010, behind two goals by Pat Kardish – the game-winner with less than two minutes remaining in regulation after taking a feed from teammate Tom Cugliotta.

“This was about so many things,” said Kardish after the game. “It was about making history for the school, and it was definitely about winning this for Coach Murray.”

Joe Krantz, the losing coach back then and legend in his own right after a sterling 36-career, displayed total class after the defeat.

“I told him the other day that if we had to lose, I was glad we lost to him,” said Krantz after the game. “He’s been through so many wars. He’s a great coach and has had many great teams, and he deserves this.”

After Mr. Murray’s passing, Krantz commended his coaching peer.

“Jim was always a gentleman on and off the field,” he said. “He always cared for his players and was an outstanding advocate for the Catholic League.”

Predeceased by his wife Carole and his brother Kevin, Mr. Murray is survived by five children, 14 grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and one brother. His funeral mass on Sept. 11 was celebrated at St. Thomas of Villanova Church on the campus of Villanova University. Interment took place at Calvary Cemetery.

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John Knebels can be reached at jknebels@gmail.com or on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) @johnknebels