John David Murray

John David Murray,79, was born in Chicago, IL, on February 24, 1946. He grew up in Elmhurst, IL, the only son of Joseph Roy Murray (1910-1991) and Mary Grass Murray (1909-1995). John passed away peacefully at home on April 13, 2025.

As a young boy in Elmhurst, he had the time of his life with his childhood friends, Bill, Danny, Eddie, Hugh and Tom. He went on to graduate from Marmion Military Academy in 1964, University of Notre Dame in 1968 with a B.F.A., and Yale University in 1970 with an M.F.A.

It was in 1967, during a summer school art program at Yale, that John met his incredible wife, Carol, and swept her off her feet (quite literally, on his motorcycle!). The beautiful couple married just a few years later in Carol’s hometown of Moorhead, MN, at St. Francis de Sales Church on August 25, 1972.

As newlyweds, John and Carol made exciting lives for themselves in New York City as John focused on his art and worked as a chef at Broome Street Bar. They lived in an artist loft on Broadway with their Old English Sheepdogs (Fred and Ralph), their cat (Ted), and their bird (Floyd). Shortly after the arrival of their daughter, Katherine, they made their way back to Elmhurst, IL, to raise their family.  A few years later, their second daughter, Caroline, and son, Joe, were born. 

His passions for art and work always melded into one. His life as an artist bled into everything he did. From painting, sculpting, and drawing to starting an audio-visual company to teaching and volunteering at various colleges and museums, his life centered on art.  His experiences were many; his level of knowledge was deep and varied.  If you were lucky enough to find yourself in conversation with him, you knew you’d always come away having learned something new.  He didn't give advice directly; rather, he made his values, opinions, and love apparent through his actions. A true believer in “actions speak louder than words,” we will carry our John in our hearts, and he will live on through our actions.

John was a lover of art (especially abstract), catchy tunes, great food, long walks, a daytime nap, a good road trip, and well-made films. He was a lifelong, faithful fan of Notre Dame football and basketball and later added Kansas State and Ohio State sports to his list of must-see games. If you caught him in his element, he’d likely be enjoying a bowl of Ruffles with Dean’s French Onion Dip or his favorite pizza from Roberto’s, Pizza Palace, or County Inn, sipping an ice-cold Diet Coke, watching a film or a game, thinking about his latest art, laughing with his family, or telling stories or one of his newly minted puns. Man, he had some good stories. 

After retiring, John was able to focus almost exclusively on his art.  He was working on a new piece or a new idea for a local event at every moment. His family and friends gathered to see his work at local museums and shows, winning multiple awards for his work. When he wasn’t creating, he and Carol would enjoy a meal out at one of their go-to spots or spend time with their kids and grandkids.

As John’s health declined, Carol was at his side every minute of the day and night.  Their love was so strong–a truly incredible love story from beginning to end. 

John was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mary, and his sister, Mary Ann.  He is survived by the love of his life, Carol, his wife of 52 years; his children, Katherine Murray Liebl (Ryan), Caroline Murray O’Donnell (Benjamin), and Joseph Murray; and his grandchildren, Matthew, Olivia, Blake, Claire, Levi, Madeline, Briggs, William, Lennox, and Wynter. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks for memorials to Zusman Hospice(1151 College Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43209). https://www.gifttool.com/donations/Donate?ID=1628&AID=1163

Alternatively, we're sure that John would love to see his love of art live on through donations to local art museums, art schools, etc. 

Private funeral will be held at St. Andrew's Parish, Columbus, OH.