Page 2043 - Week 06 - Tuesday, 21 June 2011
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Murphy, but Murphy quietly sidestepped hostilities and ultimately outlasted both brothers.
Former Coles liquor boss Craig Watkins knew Jim and often visited Market Cellars, impressed by Murphy’s success. He said, “He was always successful, a fantastic negotiator, a great relationship builder, respected by suppliers, and a street fighter.” He was famous for sticking to the basics of the business he knew so well. This is, of course, the epitome of Jim’s success and the basis for one of the longest lasting and most recognised marketing lines in Canberra’s history, “enjoy the good times”.
However, this dedication to the good times never got in the way of Jim being equally passionate and effective in other areas of the Canberra community. As well as the charity and business success, Jim’s involvement with our side of politics is well known. He was a long-term supporter and sometime critic. He was a party member but so much more. He held important positions on management committees and was, of course, instrumental in the supporter group, the 250 Club. This group was an important organisation for the Liberal Party for many years.
I remember first meeting Jim in 2003 when I was on the management committee as policy convenor and Jim was finance director. Now, a lot of wonderful things have been said about Jim, and that is as it is. But I remember some of those arguments. Jim could be as passionate in putting his views as anyone I have seen. I still have recollections of Jim with his big arm banging on the table when he was having a particular dispute over a particular issue. I think that passion is something that I also admired and was also important in his business and other success.
As with any close relationship, it did have its ups and downs. However, even during some of the difficult times, it was never so damaged nor so distant that we could not work through our differences. Indeed, in recent years the relationship was a very, very strong one. I remember just recently having a very enjoyable lunch with Jim, Mr Smyth and others to discuss how we could move Canberra forward. I remember very well the wonderful hospitality that we received from Margaret and Jim at their house over a good bottle of red—I think that particular night enjoying Brumbies success, something that does not happen as often as it used to.
In speaking with Margaret Murphy about what to put in this speech, I asked her how she would like Jim to be remembered. Margaret summed it up as a wonderful husband and father and a lovable man. I think that with all of the public attributes and the tributes to his public life, we should remember that at his heart that was who Jim was and how Jim’s family would particularly like him to be remembered.
Margaret also wanted it known just how much pride the family had in the work that Jim did in the community. Her greatest regret is that Jim left us so young with so much left to give and to experience. Damien said at the funeral that his death has left a hole which can never be filled. To Margaret, Damien and AJ, who are here today, my sincere and deepest condolences.
I used to see Jim at mass at St Benedict’s in Narrabundah from time to time. After his funeral I was speaking with the parish priest at St Benedict’s, who informed me of Jim’s contribution to the parish through its fundraising committee, something I was
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