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 on Saturday, June 13, 2026, beginning at 3 p.m., at Bill’s Barn at Starr Farm Beach.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Dr. Murray’s honor may be made to UVM Home Health & Hospice, 1110 Prim Rd., Colchester, VT 05446.
This article appears in January 21 • 2026.
I am greatly saddened by the news of the passing of Dr. Jack Murray.
This message goes out especially to Suzanne and the family with all my sympathy. He was such a great role model and partner and mentor to me.
He touched the lives of so many children and families over the decades he practiced pediatrics. He thoroughly enjoyed sports medicine, both in contributing to the science itself and caring for young athletes. He was deeply committed to college health as well.
Underlying his distinguished career, he was a thoughtful and good person with a big heart and a great sense of humor. He had a direct and gentle way with children and adolescents.
I have many good memories of Jack – how much he loved his camp in Colchester on Lake Champlain and the annual TLP picnics we had there, how he had a command of the current pediatric literature and how much could teach a young pediatrician just out of residency like myself, how he could talk to a preschooler on their own level, how devoted he was to his family, how much he enjoyed a joke, and on and on!
Enough said. Jack will be greatly missed.
Well said Sara. I loved those days with Dr Murray, Dr Narkewicz, Dr Stackpole and you. He was a wonderful pediatrician and man. When I think of him, it is always with a smile
-Tara
Suzanne and Sarah, So sorry for your loss.
Many good memories for the years as sister in law to Jack.
The Diette family in Colchester, neighbors and friends of Jack and Suzanne were beneficiaries of Jack’s kind and insightful care. Our two were cared for by Jack from birth in the early 70’s through UVM in the late 80’s and early 90’s. Jack made a house call to our home when I had a dizzy spell though he was no longer practicing. Sandy called Jack at home and he came right over asked some questions and concluded that I had a cardiac event! The result was an ablation that took care of the problem. What a guy!
I was fortunate to have Dr. Murray as my pediatrician growing up and remember him fondly as such a kind doctor. His bedside manner was wonderful. Sorry to read of his passing.
Jack was the only doctor for my three children as they grew up in the 1970’s & 80″s. Always a highlight was the conversation about anything and everything non medical. As my wife was an ER Nurse and graduate of UVM they had a lot in common. Truly one of the best human beings that every walked this earth.
Such a very kind man and an exemplary Elk. On the Elk’s bus to see Red Sox vs Yankees years ago,he got up and gave us a tour of Boston from all of his years there. So fun. He deserves all of his accolades. Great job Dr.Murray!
I am heartbroken by this news. Dr. Murray was not only my doctor, as a kid, but he was an extended member of our family, having been my Dad’s medical practic partner for literally generations! I had the great pleasure of traveling with him and Suzanne and my folks to Ireland. He could not have been happier to be in the Emerald Isle. That, and being on his boat on the Lake, with friends and family…those are where he seemed his happiest. And when I was in those “difficult teenage years,” he was an amazing and kind confidante. I loved him tons. To Suzanne and Sarah and Tom, my deepest sympathy. He was one of a kind and will be missed terribly. But I shall be consoled by great memories of moments spent laughing with him.
My condolences to the family. Dr. Murray was my doctor as a child. I have fond memories of his pleasant bedside manner. My mother, Lois Condon worked at pediatric associates for decades as a RN. She really loved working for Dr. Murray, and his physician partner’s.
My heart is broken. He was my pediatrician growing up and helped me in ways I can’t put into words. I count my lucky stars to have had him and hope he knew how special he was. Thank you Dr Murray for helping me threw life’s challenges in my younger years. Sending so much love to all who loved him.
My deepest condolences to Sarah, Suzanne, and the entire Murray family.
While I did not have the privilege of knowing Dr. Murray personally, I came to know him through my colleague Sarah over the years—through the way she spoke about him with such pride, warmth, and admiration. From her stories, it was clear that he was not only an exceptional physician, but also a deeply compassionate, generous, and inspiring person.
His legacy clearly lives on in the lives he touched and in the values he passed on. May his memory be a blessing, and may his family find comfort in the love and respect so many hold for him.
So sorry for your loss. Dr.Murray was one of my favorites at Johnson State. His kindness and wit helped shape me as a teacher.
Sarah, my Mom, Lee, and I send our condolences to you from Seattle. Many good memories of your father and family as neighbors in the Hill section and also at Timberlane. Peace to you and your family. Best, Lindsay Butler
I worked with Dr. Murray for many years at Timber Lane Pediatrics. He was also my children’s pediatrician. He was an
excellent diagnostician, very much interested in his patients.
His personality always kept things interesting in the office.
Dr Murray was my pediatrician along with Dr. Stackpole. I loved them both as I grew up and they became the pediatricians that cared for my 2 boys.
Such a wonderful man ❤️
So heartbroken to hear about Dr. Murray, he took very good care of my son and even went to observe him in school many times until he came up with what was wrong with him, he was his patient way into his teens and we were heartbroken when we had to look for another Doctor. If it were not for him my husband and I would have gone crazy. Thanks so much for what you did for our family.
I first came to know Doc Murray as a physician with the VT Army National Guard, then for many years while visiting with my son and his family at Starr Farm Beach. I always enjoyed reminiscing with Doc about our time in the Guard, and then watching him lead the annual 4th of July kids parade at Starr Farm. He and his big bass drum will be missed by many.
Jack was simply THE BEST, in so many ways. I worked with him at Champlain College, where he cared for our student-athletes as well as the general student population. Kind, funny, caring, and smart, he could always be counted on, regardless of the hour or situation. He was good natured and compassionate, and could instantly put someone at ease. His wry grin and the twinkle of mischief in his eye will remain with me forever. Sincere condolences to his family and close friends, may his spirit always burn brightly in you.