A celebration of the life of Jackson Jay “Jack” Murray, 73, of Omaha was held Wednesday, July 19, at the Bel Air Chapel. Family and friends gathered to hold the celebration on what would have been his 74th birthday.

Jackson was born to Guy and Helen (Prell) Murray in Wahoo, on July 19, 1943.

A graduate of Benedict High School, Jackson attended eight different high schools. He attended Midland College in Fremont, where he played football and pole vaulted for the track team. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Education degree and endorsements in biological sciences and physical education.

After graduation, he taught at Palmer (1966-1969), at Sidney (1969-1973), at Cathedral High School in Omaha (1973-1975), at Superior (1975-1985), and Ashland (1985-2002). Throughout his teaching career, Jack coached football, wrestling and track. He made many lifelong friends throughout his teaching and coaching career. Coaching was his true passion and he dedicated so much time and love to the sport and the relationships it built. It was with great honor that he was inducted to the Nebraska Schools Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame on July 12, 2003. After Jack retired, he taught for a couple of years in Omaha Public Schools. He was currently working for Capital Express.

Jack married his first wife, Norma (Huegel) Murray on June 30, 1962. They were married 29 years. During their marriage, they were blessed with two children, Jay and Susan. Norma died of leukemia on Jan. 31, 1993. Two years later, Jack started dating his second wife, Jean Oxenhardt. They were married one year later, on June 5, 1996. They just celebrated their 21st wedding anniversary. They were blessed with a beautiful daughter, Ashlee Murray.

Jack dedicated his life to his children and grandchildren. He spent a lot of time supporting his kids and grandkids by watching them participate in sports and excelling in life. He was their biggest fan. Sports was such a big part of his life. He enjoyed “helping” the refs make the right calls. He rarely missed a game. When he was not supporting his children/grandchildren, he loved to engage in many activities. These included playing cards, fishing, golfing, boating, traveling, Nebraska football and wrestling, going to the Ashland/Greenwood wrestling tournaments, state wrestling tournaments (talking to all of his old wrestlers, families and colleagues), going out to eat with his family, hanging out with his good friends, sharing stories, going on Sunday drives, watching “CSI,” “Blue Bloods,” “Bones” and “Law and Order.” Even though he would never admit it, he also loved his dogs.

Jack was a very social person. He seemed to know everyone. Even if he did not know you, he would talk to you anyway. He was able to make a connection with everyone he came in contact with. Family and friends loved his “Jackisms” and he would make them laugh daily. There was never a dull moment when he was around. He will be truly missed.

He is survived by his wife, Jean; children, Ashlee Murray, Susan Schutte (Al), Jay Murray; grandchildren, Kaylee Schuttte, Jaycee Schutte; brothers, Tom (Janice) Murray of Nelson, Larry Murray of Ocala, Fla., and Dan Murray of Wichita, Kan.; many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Norma (Huegel) Murray; brothers, Guy Murray and Cliff Murray; and parents, Guy and Helen Murray.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Published in the York News-Times on July 21, 2017.