To say that Jim is multi-dimensional would be an understatement. With a strong Irish paternal lineage and French-Canadian maternal heritage, his upbringing melded the essence of those two different cultures.
His education and work life took many turns. He spent most of his high school years in a seminary, which he left to help at home. His work life covered a wide spectrum including factories, managing Dunkin Donuts, cooking in restaurants, handling auto parts, Pease Air Force base and Hope Memorial. He has devoted time to countless community organizations including serving on City Council. His passion for theater was part of the initial link with Elaine Lavoie Kadlec, his wife of 20 years.
A pivotal experience was joining the US Navy where he experienced for himself “Join the Navy, see the world.” However, he is adamant that “Biddeford is home.”
JAMES H. MURPHY, JR
INTERVIEW DETAILS
Date of Interview: October 28, 2023
Location: Murphy residence, Biddeford, Maine
Interviewer: Nicole Morin-Scribner
Transcriber: Nicole Morin-Scribner
SELECTED INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS
- Immigration story of his father’s family from Ireland and mother’s family from Canada
- His maternal grandparents were married at 5am and went to work in the mills afterwards.
- Growing up in an Irish/French family
- Experiences at St. Mary’s School
- Life at a seminary, why he left and the transition his senior year, graduating from Biddeford High
- Working summers at Old Orchard Beach and piecework at a shoe shop
- Joining the Navy reserves during the Vietnam era
- Time at sea while in the service and experiences at different ports
- Working at various local businesses in the area
- How an Irishman who hardly speaks french became President of the Société St-Jean-Baptiste de Bienfaisance and their contributions to the community
- Insights of being elected to City Council
- Why he values his part-time work at Hope Memorial
DEMOGRAPHICS
Birthplace: Portland, Maine
Education: St. Mary’s Elementary-Biddeford; Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary, Lenox Mass; Biddeford High School; SMVTI
Ethnic Identification: Irish/French