Jack J. Murphy

Article taken from The Portsmouth Daily Times, January 23, 2004

Jack J. Murphy of Swauger Valley departed this earthly life to be with the Lord Thursday, Jan. 22, 2004, at 5:15 a.m.

Born in Scioto County on February 21, 1923, he was th son of the late Jack Murphy and Eliza Peach Murphy.

A 1942 graduate of Minford High School, he entered the U.S. Army in January 1943. An Army veteran of WWII European Theater, he served as a Sergeant and squad leader of a rifle platoon with the 115th Infantry Regiment, 29th Infantry Division. Jack was awarded numerous citations including The Purple Heart, The Bronze Star, The Expert Rifleman Badge, Combat Infantry Badge, Distinguished Unit Citation, The Belgian Medal for the Normandy Campaign, and The French Croix De Guerre for the D-Day Landing on Omaha Beach. He continued his faithful service to his country, Scioto County, and his fellow veterans through his dedication to the James Irwin Post 622 American Legion of Minford, OH. He was a lifetime member and served as Commander for five years. He also served as Vice Commander, Trustee, and Firing Squad Commander at the Minfor Post. His service goes beyond the local American Legion Post to many other organizations. He was a member of the Scioto County Veterans' Service Commission, having served on the board since 1989. He was a 52-year member of the Masonic Lodge 91 of Wheelersburg, and served on the advisory committee for the covered bridge at Tuttleville.

Jack was employed by Williams' Manufacturing Company in Portsmouth for 25 years. He served 33 years of loyal service as a Harrisonville Township Trustee and was very dedicated to keeping the township roads and cemeteries in very good condition. He was also a member of the Swauger Valley Freewill Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Opal Allen Murphy, whom he married on July 21, 1945, at Berean Baptist Parsonage in Sciotoville, OH; two sons, Randel (Beverly) Murphy of Lucasville, Kevin Murphy of Lucasville, Dwight Jackson II Murphy of Wheelersburg and Aaron Murphy of Wheelersburg; one great-grandson, Christian Murophy of Wheelersburg; one sister Rosemary Murphy Miller of Wheelersburg; and Miranda Silcott, who is just like a grandchild.

In addition to his parents, he was preceeded in death by one sister, Iva Louise Murphy; and one brother, E Lee Murphy.

Services will be held at the Swauger Valley Freewill Baptist church on Swauger Valley Road at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25, 2004, with Pastor Ronald Parker and Brother Tom Priest officiating. Burial will be at South Webster Cemetary with Military rites by the American Legion Post 622 of Minford and Post 363 of Lucasville.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Erwin-Dodson-Allen Funeral Home in Minford and one hour prior to the service Sunday at the church. There will be a Masonic service at the funeral home at 7 p.m. Saturday conducted by Western Sun #91 F&AM