John Hamilton Murphy

John Murphy, known by all as Jack, died peacefully on 30 August 2026, in Colorado Springs, CO, after living a full and active 95 and-a-half years. Born in Florence, New Jersey, 22 February 1931, to William and Grace (Smith) Murphy, he lived a life full of service and a desire to explore and experience everything life has to offer.

Jack was known to all as a steadfast and loving husband, father, and friend, a man who enjoyed exploring all of the places he traveled to. When he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1951, he and his wife Rita shared a 20-year adventure with the Air Force. The adventure continued through 71 years of marriage, visiting 11 countries and 47 States. Throughout his active duty and civilian Air Force career, he served in security forces, cryptographic maintenance, and as an instructor.

Their travels included several memorable trips to England, Spain, France, Switzerland, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Canada. On a very memorable trip through Canada on their way to Alaska, several large brown bears walked right up to their car, including one inquisitive bear who put his head right up to their car door window. Another memorable trip to Hawaii included an exciting ride in a helicopter flying in and around an active volcano. On one of their visits to Colorado Springs, he took an exciting ride in a hot air balloon. In 2023, he was selected for Honor Flight, a free trip to Washington, D.C. for veterans to visit memorials honoring their service. He visited the National WWII Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, and several more, with many fellow veterans.

After their Air Force career, Jack and Rita managed two retail clothing stores, The Pants Corner and The Famous. An avid painter, he painted numerous oil paintings of flowers, animals, and scenery. He continued his artistic pursuits by painting acrylic flowers and doing wood carvings of hummingbirds. He enjoyed tackling one project after another, upholstering furniture, converting a garage into a beautiful family room, and finishing the basement of their daughter’s house. They adopted several dogs throughout the years: Fea, Precious, Benji, and Angel.

He is predeceased by his wife Rita, brother Bill, and sister Shirley. He is survived by their son Terry Murphy of Corpus Christi, TX, daughter Colleen Murphy of Colorado Springs, CO, sister Margaret Borgstrom of Bordentown, NJ, and many nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held on 15 September at Aspen Trail, 5455 New Car Drive, Colorado Springs, CO. Burial will be held on 16 September at Pikes Peak National Cemetery in Colorado Springs, CO. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a veteran, arthritis, animal rescue, or other charitable organization of your choice.