Dr. John J. “Jack” Murray, of Colchester, Vt., died peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, January 11, 2026. He was 88.
Jack was born on April 29, 1937, in Somerville, Mass., to John and Helen (Carroll) Murray. He spent many cherished summers of his youth on the beach in Manomet, Mass., creating lifelong memories with family and friends. After attending school in Somerville, where his father was a teacher, Jack went on to Boston College, earning a bachelor of arts degree in premed. He then moved north to attend the University of Vermont College of Medicine, where he chose pediatrics as his calling.
Following medical school, Jack completed his internship and residency at the University of Kentucky Hospital and then served two years in the U.S. Air Force Medical Corps in Rome, N.Y. In 1968 Dr. Murray cofounded Pediatric Associates with Drs. Stackpole, Narkewicz and Gentry. The practice later grew into the highly respected Timberlane Pediatrics, where Jack cared for generations of Vermont families.
Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Murray received numerous awards and honors, including the University of Vermont Medical Alumni Association’s highest honor, the A. Bradley Soule Award; the Vermont Medical Society Distinguished Service Award; and the American Medical Association Physician’s Recognition Award. He served as president of the Vermont Medical Society from 1997 to 1998.
Beyond private practice, Jack served as a clinical instructor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Vermont College of Medicine from 1968 to 2007. He was a member of the UVM Medical School admissions committee, ran student health centers at Champlain College and Johnson State College and served as team physician for the Burlington High School Athletic Department.
A pioneer in sports medicine, Jack volunteered as a physician at the 1980 Winter Olympics and served as chief medical officer for the 1981 International Winter Special Olympics. He was a member of the board of directors of the Lake Placid Sports Medicine Society and worked with the U.S. Olympic Committee at numerous national and international events. In 1983 he and Dr. Jim Stackpole founded Green Mountain Sport Science, Vermont’s first human performance laboratory testing center.
Dr. Murray devoted his life to medicine and was a tireless advocate for children. A deeply compassionate physician, he was happiest when caring for his patients, including making house calls. In later years it was common for him to encounter former patients — now grown — and their parents, who would eagerly express gratitude for his care and his remarkable ability to put children at ease. His warmth and humor — reflected in his collection of whimsical neckties and the train set in his office — were perfectly balanced with unwavering focus and dedication to his patients’ well-being.
Jack was extremely proud of his service in the Vermont National Guard, where he served in the Medical Corps and as a flight surgeon from 1986 to 1999, retiring with the rank of colonel. His honors included the Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and Army Commendation Medal.
He also served proudly as chair of the scholarship committee for the Burlington Elks Lodge, where he was a longtime member, reflecting his deep commitment to service and to supporting young people in his community.
Jack’s career took him to conferences around the world, including many trips to Ireland as a member of the Irish and American Pediatric Society — journeys that reflected both his heritage and the Irish sparkle in his eyes. While he loved to travel, he was most at home in Vermont, especially on Lake Champlain and at Starr Farm Beach. He was a devoted husband, proud father and grandfather and a loyal friend who always made time for those he loved.
From summers at Starr Farm Beach to Friday nights on the Burlington High School football field caring for student athletes to memorable holiday gatherings with friends, Jack was deeply loved and widely respected.
A talented musician, Jack played the trumpet for more than 70 years and performed in numerous bands. He loved to dance whenever music filled the room. A voracious reader with a special love of history, he was always eager to learn and share stories of the past. An avid boater, he spent countless hours on Lake Champlain and enjoyed sailing trips to the Caribbean with friends.
He is survived by Suzanne, his loving and devoted wife and partner of 34 years; his daughter, Sarah O’Callaghan, and her son, Jack; his stepdaughter, Deb Rose, and her children, Chance and Charlotte; his stepson, Bob Frey, and his sons, Justin and Kevin; and his grandson, Tynan Murray. He is also survived by his siblings, Philip, Martha and Jane. He was predeceased by his son Tom and his brother Peter.
Jack’s kindness, generosity, and love for his family, friends, and patients will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
A celebration of life will be held at Bill’s Barn at Starr Farm Beach on Saturday, June 13, 2026, beginning at 3 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Dr. Murray’s honor may be made to UVM Home Health and Hospice, 1110 Prim Rd., Colchester, VT 05446.