Australia-based marine communications and navigation equipment specialist AWA Marine has shared the sad news of the passing of Jim Murphy, the company's Managing Director, on August 29 at the age of 80 following a long illness.
Born in Ireland, Murphy studied marine radio and radar at Southampton College of Technology (now Solent University) in the UK before beginning his career at sea as a radio officer with P&O. His career took him aboard the cruise ships Orsova, Arcadia and Canberra.
"He also spent time working aboard tankers in the Middle East, although he much preferred life aboard passenger ships," AWA Marine said in a statement following Murphy's passing. "Naturally outgoing, Jim enjoyed meeting and socialising with passengers and crew from around the world."
While serving aboard Canberra, Jim Murphy met his future wife Judi. The couple then moved to Australia, where they married and raised a family.
"Jim was an exceptional Morse code operator, earning a reputation among radio officers internationally as one of the fastest and most skilled operators on the key," said AWA Marine. "It was an ability that reflected his precision, technical expertise and lifelong passion for maritime communications."
Murphy purchased AWA Marine in 1995. Over the following 31 years, he became widely known by shipowners, equipment manufacturers, marine service organisations and maritime professionals throughout Australia and around the world.
"Jim possessed extraordinary technical knowledge, but his greatest strength was his ability to connect with people. He believed in honouring his word, standing behind his work and treating people with loyalty, fairness and integrity."
Jim Murphy's son Liam has assumed the role of Managing Director following the former's passing.
