Charles Murphy, nicknamed “KIM,” an AARP tax aide, was astonished when he discovered he would be recognized by Camden County for his years of hard work and dedication to helping his community.
Charles Murphy, nicknamed “KIM,” an AARP tax aide, was astonished when he discovered he would be recognized by Camden County for his years of hard work and dedication to helping his community.
Last Wednesday, Murphy was awarded for his hard work, being nominated for a Camden County Freedom Medal, an honor reserved for Camden County residents who have contributed their time and effort to better their community while living by the ideals indicative of Martin Luther King Jr., according to Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli Jr.
An Allentown native, Murphy moved to Cherry Hill in 1983, starting with AARP in 1998. Murphy became an AARP tax aide two decades ago, assisting anyone who is unable to afford a tax preparation service. He has a loyal following, with most of the people he helps always inquiring about him and wanting to be around him.
Tom Gano, a friend of Murphy’s for more than 20 years who has worked alongside him as an AARP tax aide, spoke highly of him.
‘’He’s very outgoing, people ask for him every year,’’ Gano said. “He’s one of those kinds of guys with a magnetic personality … if there’s ever a problem, he can solve it.”
Coming up on his 19th tax season, according to Murphy, he works three days a week from February through April at the Pennsauken and Bellmawr libraries helping people complete their tax returns.
Having attended Drexel University, formerly known as Drexel Institute of Technology, as a co-operative student, Murphy was able to work and go to school, eventually graduating with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering.
Over 36 years, Murphy worked as a supervisor assistant trade master, among other jobs, traveling the country for work. For nearly two decades, Murphy lived all over the U.S., including Wilmington, Del., Trenton, Mount Vernon, Ohio, Louisville, Ky., Indianapolis, Ind., Buffalo, N.Y., Harrisburg, Pa., Utica, N.Y., Newark and Philadelphia.
Murphy has a son, Charles, and daughter, Kimberlee, whom he loves dearly. When Murphy isn’t busy helping others, he can be found playing the occasional round of golf or singing. Murphy is a member of the Singing City choir. Founded in 1948, it is the oldest multicultural multi-ethnic choir in the U.S., according to Murphy. Murphy discovered his passion for signing when he worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad.
“I have been signing for years, nice diversion from the railroad,” Murphy said.
Murphy’s father is his role model and inspired him to give back to the community.
“My father inspired me, he was a volunteer,” Murphy said. “He was a Boy Scoutmaster for 12 years when we were in Allentown and produced 24 Eagle Scouts.”
His wife of nine years, Jane, understands more than anyone why her husband was recognized with such a prestigious award.
“He’s so supportive of people who need help, including me, especially me,” Jane said. “If I get nervous about something, he builds me up, he notices when I am worried and supports me.”
Murphy has always lived his life with honesty and integrity, encouraging others to do the same. Although life throws curveballs and gets difficult, what defines people is how they choose to live and conquer every day obstacles.
“People don’t have to copy the chores I have done but, hopefully how I did them,” Murphy said.
