The Eagles are saddened to learn of the passing of former General Manager Jim Murray, who passed away on Monday morning at the age of 87.
"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," said Jeffrey Lurie, Chairman and CEO, Philadelphia Eagles. "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."
The longtime Eagles executive, who joined the franchise in 1969 as a member of the team's public relations staff, was as impactful on the field as he was off the field. Murray became the Eagles' general manager in 1974 and helped guide the team to the NFC Championship in the 1980 season as Philadelphia made its first-ever Super Bowl appearance against the Raiders in Super Bowl XV.
Murray was the team's GM through the 1982 season, giving him 14 seasons with the Eagles. During that time, Murray paved the way for the Eagles to made a positive impact in the community, helping the franchise start its highly-successful Eagles Fly for Leukemia campaign and then Murray worked with Dr. Audrey Evans to form the first Ronald McDonald House, a program that started in Philadelphia and has since become worldwide with more than 1,000 Programs in 62 countries. The Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia celebrated its 50th Anniversary last year.