Jack Vincent Murphy, age 80, a 17 year resident of Chewelah, WA passed away on Nov. 22, 2021 in Cheney, WA. Jack was born on December 4, 1940 in Plattsburgh, NY the son of Mark and Marion (Matott) Murphy.

He grew up near Keeseville, NY where he graduated from Keeseville High School in 1959.  He attended Immaculate Conception Grade School in Plattsburgh.  Jack then attended William H. Minor Research Institute achieving an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts.  On May 31, 1961, Jack enlisted in the U.S. Navy and saw action in Guadalcanal (during the Cuban Missile Crisis) and was stationed in Rota, Spain.  Jack was honorably discharged at the completion of his 4 year obligation in May of 1965.  He returned to New York at the encouragement of his father to help him with construction projects. Jack soon decided to head north and drove the back roads to Moose Pass, AK where he ran his own freight business.  His parents moved to Alaska and convinced him to relocate to Anchorage.  He became a member of the Operating Engineers Union and worked heavy equipment at remote sites around Alaska.  After a serious health issue, Jack studied welding at Hobart Technical School in Troy, OH.  His work as a welder included work on the Alaskan Pipeline.

While attending Mass at Holy Family Cathedral in Anchorage, Jack reconnected with a friend from 20 years earlier, Margaret Duyssen.  Their paths soon became one as the exchanged vows on March 19, 1994.  Jack retired from his welding career at the age of 55 due to work related health concerns.  He then started his own business, trying to sell shredders manufactured in Wisconsin.  He and Margaret left Alaska in 2004 and purchased a small farm with a fenced garden, orchard, barns, wild pasture, field, turkeys, deer, birds of all kinds, chipmunks and squirrels.  They enjoyed the longer garden season and shorter, warmer winters in Blue Creek, north of Chewelah, where they resided for the next 15 years.  After becoming familiar with Colville and making many friends there, their interests turned to Chewelah where they made many new friends as well.

Jack found many wonderful projects and enjoyed spending hours on his tractor at the farm.  He and Margaret shared their journey of life together in close companionship, each supporting the other as they moved from farm duties into their active volunteerism.  He loved to visit with others and learned of life from those patients he visited with at the Anchorage VA Hospital and the St. Joseph's Long Term Care and hospital.   He was never one to underestimate for little could stop him once his mind was set.  His spirit was feisty and his heart was compelled by compassion.  Jack didn't just live… HE LIVED!

He was active in his Catholic faith, the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion.

Jack was preceded in death by his siblings, Mark, Catherine and Mary Ann.

He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Margaret Murphy; adopted children, David Murphy and Cindy Rayman; children, John Murphy (Rachael) and Paul Murphy; three grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Services for Mr. Jack V. Murphy, will begin with a Rosary at 6:00 p.m., on Monday, November 6, 2021 followed by a Funeral Mass beginning at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 7, 2021 both at the St. Mary of the Rosary Catholic Church.  A graveside service and ash interment will follow at the St. Mary of the Rosary Cemetery in Chewelah, WA.  Father Mike Ishida as celebrant.  Memorial contributions may be given any local Veterans Support Organization.   Please visit the online memorial and sign the guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com .  Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory is entrusted with the arrangements.