John Joseph Murray

John was born January 24, 1953 in Canton, Ohio to the late James Harold and Burdella Myrtle (Dunlap) Murray. John graduated from Perry High School and earned an Associate Degree from Electronic Technical Institute. He worked as an electrician for Time Warner, National Cash Register, Babcock & Wilcox, The Hoover Company, and The Summit Church. John held membership in the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and The Summit Church.

As a 14-year-old, John taught himself acoustic guitar and had a beautiful singing voice. He played football for Perry High School in his teen years. Hiking and being outdoors were among the things he dearly loved. John was a self-taught handyman who loved carpentry and electrical work. He remodeled the homes he lived in, built decks, barns, a bridge, and loved home improvements in general.

John loved adventures, camping, the outdoors, and traveling with his family. He taught his children an appreciation for life and nature. He loved family get-togethers, birthday celebrations, and holidays. He would frequently suggest, “How about coming over for a campfire?” Stargazing, astronomy, photography, and tree identification were among his special interests. Bird watching later became a special hobby for him.

John spent 50 wonderful years of marriage to his loving and devoted wife, Catherine, whom he married on June 14,1975. He was always there for his family and made life fun. John prioritized going to his children’s and grandchildren’s events. He was truly the best husband, dad, Grampy, brother, and friend.

He loved the Lord with all his heart. John loved music and praised Jesus in that way. Playing guitar was one of his passions. During his life, he led praise and worship at church.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his infant son, James John Murray; brothers, Dale Murray, Ken Murray, George Murray, Edward Murray, Ron Murray; and sisters, Judy Murray and Beverly Vodopich. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Catherine (Meyers) Murray; children, Kelly (Jeff) Dayton, and Nathan (Michelle) Murray; grandchildren, Ethan Dayton, Arianna Dayton, Adeline Murray, and Autumn Murray; brothers, Gary Murray, Mike (Donna) Murray, Fred (Sylvia) Murray, and Thomas (Annette) Schall; sisters, Donna Jean Wolfgang and Linda Dunlap; and several nieces and nephews.

A visitation for John will be held Friday, October 24, 2025 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Karlo-Libby Funeral Home, 5000 Everhard Road NW, Canton, OH 44718. A funeral service will occur Saturday, October 25, 2025 at 10:00 AM at The Summit Church, 1300 Pittsburg Ave NW, North Canton, OH 44720. Interment will follow at Sunset Hills Memory Gardens.

John played an integral part in helping to maintain The Summit by doing electrical and carpentry work while on staff at the church. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Summit Church Building Fund.