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Jack Murray Obituary
Jack was born "John J Murray" on May 10, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois to the late Sally and Parnell Murray. Born and raised on the West Side and Northwest Side of Chicago, Jack was the fourth of 6 children. He attended Our Lady of Victory Grade School in Chicago and St. Peter's Grade School in Skokie, IL. Jack graduated from Notre Dame College Prep in Niles, IL.
Jack became TWA Airline's first male flight attendant and traveled all over the world. He met and married the "only true love" of his life, Keren Sue Babcock, on September 18, 1988. Jack was a nationally renowned corvette expert, vintage go-kart expert and all-around life of the party. He will be dearly missed by his multitude of siblings, nieces, nephews and especially his "GREAT nieces and nephew" as he liked to call them when he visited them often in Chicago.
Jack is preceded in death by his wife Keren, his parents Sally and Parnell, and his brothers Ronald and Patrick. He is survived by his sister Carol (Murray) Schulz, his sister Maureen (Murray) and Mike Pope, his sister-in-law Sheryl Murray, as well as his brother Parnell and sister-in-law Barbara Murray.
A Celebration of Jack's Life will be forthcoming in Chicago for family and friends. In lieu of flowers, the Murray Family kindly requests you consider a donation to Notre Dame College Prep, Niles, IL. www.nddons.org
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sandra pokuta
April 10, 2025
Jack was a great guy. It was always wonderful to run into him at the airport and have a few minutes to talk. He always spoke of his one and only great love, his wife.
James Kammueller
July 15, 2024
Jack and I judged Corvettes at Bloomington Gold and would later meet at Vintage Karting Association events. I'll certainly miss visiting with Jack and I send my most heartfelt sympathies to his family and friends.
Colleen K. Cotter
June 19, 2024
Jack and I were neighbors at Horizons. His wife and I became friends. He started working with me and I trained him to be a Realtor. I met Jack for happy hour countless times. It was a pleasure to help him after his wife died. He was a dynamo. His stories about flying were awesome. We were supposed to travel together using his buddy pass and then covid hit. He was a fantastic fun guy. I will miss meeting him for conversation and drinks.
Betty Barquin
June 16, 2024
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Betty Barquin
June 16, 2024
Betty Barquin
June 16, 2024
Betty Barquin
June 16, 2024
Some images of Jack from travels and his two joys, kart and corvette.
Betty Barquin
June 16, 2024
Betty Barquin
June 16, 2024
Betty Barquin
June 16, 2024
Betty Barquin
June 16, 2024
Jack and I spent some time together as a couple. His love of cars and go karts and travel was a pleasure to be a part of. We had his first cat together and would share custody, long after we parted ways. We once took a cross country trip in the very special Corvette that had been in storage in California. He was worried about an earthquake destroying it. He wasn't keen on letting me drive it, but it became necessary as it was a long drive. I remember as he layed down to sleep driving by some young men who were blown away at that car, and how fast I passed them. Good thing he was asleep! Being an animal lover when we passed by some duck hunters and I honked...I was told to be careful they could shoot at us .... and damage the car. I was on deer alert the whole time at night. He taught me so much about taking car of cars....never lean on the car wearing jeans. Years later when I asked what happened to that car..he said it paid for his condo. His jumping all over the country to buy a car paid off. I will miss his smile and his funny little laugh. Go fast speed racer. Thank you for the memories. Condolences to the wonderful Murray Family.
Barbara Nichols
June 10, 2024
My family offers our condolences to Jack's family. I am Jack's Cousin. Our Mothers were Sisters. I have many fond memories of Jack. He was my daughter, Michelle's Godfather and would visit us no matter where we were stationed with the Army. He went out of his way to travel to MA to advise on an inherited Corvette. I will always remember his smile and I know him and Kiren will be together forever.
Heidi Hoxie
June 10, 2024
There are things death cannot touch, and your love for Jack is one of them.
Your condo friend, Heidi.
Peter Birren
June 6, 2024
I knew Jack from Notre Dame HS. We were in a few classes together, cutting up as usual. Thoughts and prayers now are with the family.
Bob Levy
June 6, 2024
I went to grammar school and to high school with Jack.
We were not close friends but we knew each other and I always found him to be a super guy. Our prayers are with the family. Bob Levy
Lynda Webster
June 5, 2024
I flew with Jack, Jim Middlekauf and Pattie Noonan. Oh!!! the stories that could be told !!! RIP.
Lynda Verguson Chattaway Webster
Dick
June 5, 2024
I met with Jack for dinner every time I was in San Diego. He always made me laugh remembering his high school days at Notre Dame High School. He could sure tell a story that would make you smile. Jack was passionate about his cars. While I have been working for Notre Dame College Prep for the past 17 YEARS, I can tell you Jack had fond memories of the school and was generous to the school as well. I will miss him. Dick Allegretti, Class of 1973.
Leon and Carol Rippy
June 5, 2024
We will miss your laughter and the brightness you brought to the vintage karting world. Tell Karen we said hello. So happy you're together again.
Leon and Carol Rippy
Robin Brock
June 5, 2024
I wrote a long story about how I met Jack and the many wonderful things we did together. For whatever reason it didn't post, I don't know if this will post.... Jack was a good friend and he is missed greatly. I pray he is resting in Heaven having coffee with Jesus
Hopefully this will post....
God loves you and so do I
Don Soja
June 3, 2024
RIP Jack... Another TWA Angel has gotten their wings...
Jeanette Roncke
June 1, 2024
I met Jack in 1972 while in training for TWA at Breech Academy in Kansas City. I will always remember watching the first class of men walk through the courtyard. All of us women were at the windows assessing. It was always a pleasure to be assigned a flight with Jack. Then a few years later I was at a kart race with my husband, he raced karts too, and there he was. Needless to say we both enjoyed spending time with Jack at the track and in the skies. RIP Jack! Travel with angels. Jeanette & Mike Roncke
Bill McCornack
June 1, 2024
I knew Jack from the early seventies until the late eighties. I raced with Jack. Jack was one of the better drivers and a cool guy. After being out of Karting for 14 years, we became reacquainted in 2004 so I've been able to enjoy his company again for the last 20 years. I'm sure he's up in a big TWA jet in the sky now.
Pete Rodman
June 1, 2024
Dear Friend Jack, we will miss you here at (horizons) you brought a little light into everybody´s life that you engaged with. We hope you are riding that great go kart in the sky and the suffering has stopped. Our love and hearts go out to you and your family. Pete and Elaine Rodman
John & Linda Lippitt
June 1, 2024
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Alvin A Klusman Jr
June 1, 2024
I have lost someone that I liked, cared for, and considered a good friend. I met him through vintage karting and will miss him greatly. God's speed and "Go Fast Jack"!! Torque
Rolf Hill
June 1, 2024
I met Jack for the first time at a vintage kart event in Fremont., OH in 2010. At my first VKA event with a kart at Barnesvile, GA, (2011) he helped me strip down my MC-8 and rebuild it in the pit. He knew EVERYBODY and was able to find over size rings and a head gasket. I will never forget his kindness, generosity, and love of karting.
lynn haddock
June 1, 2024
We met at a PKA karting event in the mid-1970's -- RIP OLE' FRIEND
Jim Cox
June 1, 2024
Jack, my friend. You always brought a smile to my face. Other men loved smoked whiskey, you were a connoisseur of water and loved to talk bout the difference between these bottled water. You were a man with love of women and certainly had the eye for them. If only you had been 6 foot tall and hair like McCartney, they would have been at your beck and call. You may have been short in stature but you rode tall in the saddle my friend. I am sad to see you go but I am glad for you. I saw you about 8 months ago in the home where you were staying...and well, you were not in a good place in life. So now, you are riding those go-karts in the sky. You will be missed but your memory, your smile, that hat...you. Love you big guy.
Mary Jo McCornack
May 31, 2024
Although you will be greatly missed by many in vintage Karting we are happy that you've been reunited with Keren. Won't tell you to rest in peace because peaceful is not your style. Have a roaring good time in heaven.
Bill Miller
May 31, 2024
Jack,
You will be missed. The friendship you gave to me, Sandi and our Granddaughter, Trinity I won’t forget. I remember the first time we met in person inviting you to our home when you were bringing your vintage Indycar to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. You were arriving early and had no place to stay. You got to our lake house late that night and we sat up until the middle of the night getting acquainted, talking, laughing and sharing racing stories. I was your stooge on the Indycar for the event and it was awesome. Trinity still remembers the rides on the golf cart when you drove her around the IMS. Since that time we we have been to many kart tracks and your friendship will not be forgotten. When we came to CA you invited me to your shop which was an awesome experience. God Speed Jack as you are reunited with Keren.
Paul Wright
May 31, 2024
His exploits with the airlines were enough to almost make me pee myself laughing...what more can I say but Godspeed Jack!
Gary cirincione
May 31, 2024
Jack and I went on many vacations together and we had the time of our lives. I will miss him dearly
Oscar and Rita Carlson
May 31, 2024
We have such fond memories Jack - fun loving and very generous. He always spoke with enthusiasm about Formula One and his love for race cars, his family, friends and above all his cats. Oscar and I always enjoyed chatting with Jack when we met in the elevator, on the street, at parties and occasionally in the Fitness Center where he always wanted to lose about 50 lbs.
We know Jack´s passing leaves a large gap in everyone's life, but his spirit, so resilient, so indomitable, so eager to bring joy into the lives of those around him, will be a source of comfort and inspiration for all of us, now as we grieve with his family - especially his nephew Jason. We will mourn his passing because Jack was such an integral part of our encounters here at Horizons for well over 20 years.
Oscar and I I would like to sum up the essence of Jack from the words on the Claddagh Ring. FRIENDSHIP, LOYALTY AND LOVE.
Thank you Jack for being you - you made a difference in the lives of everyone you encountered - including all the cats you and Keren loved!!
Elizabeth Avila
May 31, 2024
I met Jack a few years ago and he was a character, had lots of good stories. I was always his first stop when he would come in to his storage units. He loved to hang out when we had barbecues he would always join us. He enjoyed sharing stories and laughing, music, it was fun having him around. I loved that, Although I was not that young, he would always call me "kiddo".
Gonna miss you Jack.
Douglas MacDonald
May 31, 2024
Jack and I loved anything with a motor hooked to it. He lived where I was raised and left to work for TWA. We visited as of lately in Escondido Ca. then again in Indiana.
jeff eakins
May 31, 2024
i bought a dino 250 superkart from him , he was working for twa airlines at the time god speed jack!
Mark Kirkpatrick
May 31, 2024
I was in training at TWA with Jack in that first class of male FAs in April, 1972. He stayed at my apartment in Long Beach, NY, a couple of times when he flew back to backs.
May he rest in peace.
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