John Jay Murphy

John Jay Murphy died on April 10, 2011 at St. Joseph Hospital after a lingering bout with illness. He was born in Scotia on March 14, 1941 to Eva Matilda Fry, nee Bergman, and Otis Junior Murphy of Fortuna. John was preceded in death by his father Otis Murphy, his daughter Judy Murphy, ex-wife Helen Murphy, Aunt Edna Mae Warner and Uncle Melvin Murphy. He is survived by his mother Eva Fry, a brother Ben Otis Murphy, ex-wife Shari Johnson Murphy, eight step-children, five grandchildren, many step-grandchildren and many great grandchildren. John attended Pepperwood and Rio Dell elementary schools, graduated from Fortuna Union High School in 1960 and attended one semester at Humboldt State. In 1961 he joined the U.S. Navy and served until 1965 moving to Alaska after being discharged. While in Alaska, he married Helen Murphy and they had one daughter, Judy. He worked as a heavy equipment operator working several years on the Alaska Oil Pipeline. He returned to Fortuna in 1993 and in 1995 he married his childhood sweetheart Shari Johnson, nee Pedrotti. They lived at Royal Crest Mobile Estates. John was an artist and enjoyed making jewelry, beadwork, and carving. Shortly before his death he became a Christian. Memorial services will be held on April 26, 2011 at 11:00 AM at the Hydesville Community Church with Pastor Michael Delamarian III officiating. Arrangements are entrusted to Goble's Fortuna Mortuary, Fortuna. Please sign the guest book at www.Times-Standard.com, click obits.