P.J. Murphey Harmon ’71

We unexpectedly lost our ebullient and irrepressible classmate Murph Dec. 15, 2019, after a short illness. 

Raconteur extraordinaire, brilliant trial lawyer, loyal Tiger, and devoted family man, Murph came to Princeton from St. John’s School in his hometown of Houston, Texas. He majored in politics and lived at Tiger Inn senior year with fellow officers McNab, Alexander, and Rickerson, though he was welcome at any club where his jokes, storytelling, bridge, and poker prowess were admired. Murph played lightweight football and won the Walter Hope Prize for debate. His car was always available for KI and airport runs.  

He graduated from University of Texas Law School and returned to Houston, where he was civil trial lawyer for more than 30 years, trying cases in state and federal courts. He married Hillary Durgin ’85 k’45 in 1994.  

Murph was an avid tennis player and sailor, spending countless hours on Galveston Bay. He took immense pride in his sons, Murphey D., Con Kelley, and Sam; and his daughter, Tess. His intelligent smile, love for entertaining people, and fantastic sense of humor were unforgettable.  

Murph was devoted to Princeton, serving 1971 as president, class agent, ASC interviewer, master of ceremonies, and chief Locomotive leader at Reunions, as well as providing countless, perfectly crafted anecdotes on Tiger sports history.  

A memorial service in Houston was attended by many classmates and Princeton and other friends of all eras. The Class of 1971 extends its sincere condolences to Hillary, the Harmon children, extended family, and friends.