John Buchanan Murray

In Loving Memory of John Buchanan "Jack" Murray

John Buchanan "Jack" Murray, of North Huntingdon, Pa, passed away peacefully at McKeesport Hospital on March 1, 2024, surrounded by his loving family, after a quiet two-year battle with cancer. Jack spent a lifetime dedicated to his family, Christian service, and the great outdoors.

He was born on November 27, 1939, in Pittsburgh, Pa, the son of the late John Murray and late Velma (Snizik) Murray. Jack was also preceded in death by a sister, Pat Murray (Russ) Joyce.

Jack is survived by his beloved and devoted wife of 63 years, Peggy Ann (Cox) Murray, daughter, Robin Murray (Robert) Manning of Saltsburg, Pa, son, Glenn (Mary) Murray of Apollo, Pa and son-in-law Charles Tyke of Export, Pa.

His legacy lives on through his grandchildren, Zachary Tyke, Courtney Tyke, Waylon Murray and Breanna Murray as well as his many, many nephews and nieces in both the Murray and Cox families.

After graduating from McKeesport High School in 1957, Jack proudly served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Valley Forge from 1957 to 1960, contributing to the nation's defense with honor and dedication.

Upon completing his service in the Navy, Jack worked as a dispatcher for Steel City Transport and Wilson Freight, terminal manager for Marck Express, and owner/contractor for Besil Transfer. Later, “in retirement”, he enjoyed working part-time at NAPA Auto Parts in White Oak.

A man of faith, Jack was a dedicated member of First Christian Church in McKeesport for 70 years, where he provided stewardship as a deacon and elder. He was also a strong supporter of Camp Christian, in Mill Pa.

An avid outdoorsman, Jack found joy in trapping, hunting, and fishing spending many hours with family and friends at the family hunting camp in Marienville. Close to home, Jack enjoyed gardening, canning and was a great cook. He enjoyed playing baseball and softball. He was a member of Nuti’s pool league, and played golf in the Firth Sterling league and recently in the Alltel golf league, where his “camaraderie” will be sorely missed. Jack also created countless memories during many hours of “Friday Night” card games with the family.

Jack was a unique and larger-than-life character to many. He will be remembered for his sometimes cantankerous nature, straight talk, and sense of humor as much as his unwavering love and warmth that he brought to all who knew him. May he rest in peace, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and cherished memories.

Family and friends may gather at Striffler’s of White Oak Cremation and Mortuary Servies, Inc., 1100 Lincoln Way, White Oak, PA, 15131 (Sue Striffler Galaski, supervisor, 412-678-6177) on Monday, March 4, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Services will be held in the funeral home chapel Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. followed by graveside services at Grandview Cemetery in North Versailles.

To share a memory or condolences, please visit www.strifflerfuneralhomes.com

"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” - REV 21:4