James Murphy:
CLASS OF 1966
Ramsey High SchoolClass of 1966
Ramsey, NJ
F.I.U.Class of 1982
Miami, FL
miami dade junior collegeClass of 1979
Miami, FL
James's Story
I am big into collecting and preserving / restoring military history (Rifles / bayonets / uniforms / medals / militaria / books / die cast dioramas / etc), coins / stamps / first day covers and beer steins (antique and commeratives). My wife calls my downstairs "den area" the War Room. I served in the U. S. Marine Corps from 1976 - 1980 (stood on the "Yellow Footprints"at Parris Island the night of our 10 Year Reunion) as a "Special Intelligence Cryptologic Communicator." I was an Honor Graduate from Parris Island, Honor Graduate from Naval Technical Training Center, Pensacola, Fl. was meritoriously promoted to LCpl (E-3) at 6 months (Aug '77) after leaving Parris Island; meritorious to Corporal (E-4) at 8 months (Oct '77) and to Sergeant (E-5) at 18 months. Was assigned to Naval Security Group Activity, Homestead AFB, Fl. Was the first Marine to attend, and graduate from, an Air Force Joint Service NCO Academy (31st TFW, Homestead AFB) and graduated from Marine Corps NCO Leadership School, Quantico, VA. Earned my Associates Degree at Miami-Dade Community College. Was nominated by NSGA for the "Enlisted Commissioning Program", but HQ Marine Corps said I was "too old" for the program.. In August 1980 I was Honorably Discharged from USMC and accepted into the Air Force's 155th ROTC Cadet Group Program at the University of Miami. Served as the Cadet Corps Commander (Cadet Colonel) for the Fall Semester in 1981. Completed BA in History at Florida International University in Miami, Fl (cross-town program with University of Miami) and was commissioned as a 2nd Lt in the Security Police career field in April 1982. Retired from the Air Force as a Captain (Regular Air Force) / Squadron Commander in 1995. Served three years at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri as a Security Police Flight Commander in the Minuteman Missile Field (SAC) and as a Base Motorcycle Safety Instructor (I was certified by the State of Missouri), served nine consecutive years in Europe (seven in Germany ,three at Ramstein AFB as a Flight Commander and Acting Squadron Commander for US Forces Police Squadron in Kaiserslautern and then another four assigned with the German Air Force's Fighter Bomber Wing 34 / Memmingen, Gemany as Chief of Police and Emergency Actions Officer (Nuclear Release Officer) with 7261st Munitions Support Squadron / MUNSS) and two in Italy ( Commander, 775th Securi...Expand for more
ty Police Squadron, San Vito Air Station) (USAFE). I witnessed the "Fall of the Berlin Wall" / End of the Cold War ( I was at Check Point Charlie on its last day of operation) and the collapse of the Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact. During this time one of my best friends was an East German Air Force Major / Mig 21 Flight Leader, who I met at the end of the Cold War. I also graduated from Air Force Squadron Officers School in 1987. I was eligible for promotion to Major, but my promotion boards meet in 1993 & 1994,...right in the middle of the1992-1994 RIF (Reduction In Force), so instead of being promoted I was early retired. Retired to Warner Robins, GA in March 1995. I served as a Georgia police officer for one year, but had to leave that career field due to arthritis in both knees. Was manager of an automotive parts store for three years ( prior to joining the Marine Corps I was an ASE Certified Automotive Technician working for Ford dealerships in Jersey and, after retiring, as a auto parts store manager I became an ASE Certified Parts Specialist"), then as a claims adjuster for GEICO Insurance for seven years, and a Loss Prevention Supervisor for Kohl's Distribution Center, Macon GA for five years. then worked part-time for a local O'Riellys Auto Parts store for two more years as a Parts Specialist. I fully retired when I turned 62. I have been married to Leslie Ames for 40 + years. I have a step-daughter, Michelle, who was a Captain in the Air National Guard and works for a contractor at Robins Air Force Base, Warner Robins, GA, a son-in-law Larry who is retired from the Georgia Air National Guard as a Chief Master Sergeant, a grand-daughter, Jasmine, who was adopted from China and a son, Patrick, who teaches upper level mathematics at Northside High School in Warner Robins. We currently have 3 dogs (no empty nest here). I am an active volunteer / tour guide for the Warner Robins "Museum of Aviation". Am also active with the Marine Corps League, Military Officers of America Association and the American Legion.. In December 2015 Leslie and I became great-grandparents. Sadly, I lost my wife of almost 43 years on January 17, 2024....Rest In Peace Honey......July 2024 Life goes on and a wonderful new girlfriend makes it worth living...a new chapter has begun. Jennifer and I were married on May 07, 2025 and have embarked on the next phase of our lives.
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