The Trentonian
Jim Murray, the former general manager of the Philadelphia Eagles and a long-time philanthropist in the area, died Monday at age 87.
A native of West Philadelphia, Murray graduated from Villanova in 1960 and lived in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, at the time of his death.
He began working in sports in the 1960s before joining the Eagles' public relations staff in 1969. He was named general manager in 1974, serving in that capacity for nine seasons. He was in charge when the Eagles hired Dick Vermeil as head coach, and he built the team that went 12-4 in 1980 and reached Super Bowl XV. Murray was fired after the 1982 season.
While with the Eagles, he launched a number of charitable and community projects, including Eagles Fly for Leukemia. He co-founded the first Ronald McDonald House, located in Philadelphia, in 1974, with Children's Hospital of Philadelphia oncologist Dr. Audrey Evans. At the time, the Eagles were raising funds to support the cancer treatment of receiver Fred Hill's daughter, Kim, at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children.
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The organization has grown into a network of nearly 400 houses in 62 countries.
"Throughout his time in Philadelphia, Jim Murray was a passionate leader and team visionary who helped steer the franchise to its first-ever Super Bowl appearance," Eagles chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie said in a team statement. "We are saddened to learn of his passing and extend our heartfelt condolences to his friends and family. Jim long served the community with integrity and compassion, co-founding the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House and helping launch the Eagles Fly for Leukemia initiative. His lifetime of contributions has certainly left a lasting impact on the Eagles family and the greater Philadelphia community."
"Jimmy always believed that 'neighbors should help neighbors.' This principle guided his legacy of leadership, compassion, and community involvement," the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Philadelphia Region wrote on social media. "... We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who were touched by his incredible life."
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