John “Jack” William Murphy began his earthly journey on April 2, 1933, in Preston and ended his journey on Sept. 21, 2024 in Seaford.
Jack came from humble beginnings, growing up with his sister Betty on the family farm. Their father, Gilbert, was a farmer and carpenter, and their mother, Sara, was a housewife, and Jack would talk fondly of going into Wilmington to sell the vegetables they grew.
While attending high school in Greensboro, Md., he met the love of his life – Roberta “Bobbie Jo” Burkindine, where she first caught his eye at a basketball game. Following high school, Jack started working at DuPont, before being drafted into the U.S. Army in 1953. It was during his first year in the army he married Bobbie while stationed in Evansville, Indiana, before being stationed in Austria. Bobbie joined him there and they spent one and a half fun-filled years having the time of their lives. Following his discharge, Jack went back to DuPont where he worked for 35 years, where he rose to a supervisory position before retiring in 1985.
After his DuPont retirement, Jack and Bobbie spent many years restoring and selling antiques at shows and auctions around the country. During those years he also had the opportunity to travel abroad, going to Israel, Egypt, Denmark, Sweden, Iceland and many years spent in Cancun, Mexico.
Jack was first and foremost a family man, always putting the needs of his wife and children first. When his younger son Mark was diagnosed with an intellectual disability at an early age, he made the decision to care for him in his home – a commitment he kept for 62 years.
A born-again Christian, Jack was involved in several area churches, most recently at Bethel Worship Center. He spent his last few years at the Manor House in Seaford where he gained a new host of friends among the staff and residents.
Jack was predeceased by his beloved wife of 68 years, Bobbie, and was looking forward to his reunion with her in Heaven. He will be forever remembered by his older son, John Murphy and his husband Thomas Ayers; his youngest son, Mark Murphy; his “daughter” Cheryl Phillips and her husband Rick; numerous nieces and nephews and many, many friends who will miss him dearly.
Funeral services took place on Friday, Sept. 27 at Bethel Worship Center in Seaford. Interment took place at Odd Fellows Cemetery following funeral services.
To leave a condolence visit www.cranstonfuneralhome.com.