John Joseph Murray V

John was born on April 19, 1951, in Boston, MA, to John Joseph Murray IV and Elizabeth Mary Tierney. John graduated from Harvard University and obtained MD and PhD degrees at Vanderbilt University. While training in Internal Medicine at Vanderbilt, John met Kathy, who was also a resident. They married in 1984 in Nashville, after which John trained in allergy and pulmonary medicine at Duke. They moved back to Nashville in 1988, where they resided for 35 years.

John was the consummate physician, and he cared deeply about his patients. He had a vibrant academic career, publishing over 150 original scientific articles. He was a founding physician of the Vanderbilt Asthma Sinus and Allergy Program, and he established the Elizabeth and John Murray Chair in Medicine. In addition to his accomplished career, John had the utmost dedication to his family, including his extended family in Massachusetts and California. He was a thoughtful and loving son, husband, father, grandfather, sibling, and uncle, always present for various celebrations and never forgetting anyone’s birthday. John was godfather to many and adored his nieces and nephews. He was especially proud of his Irish heritage, ultimately becoming an Irish citizen. He was an avid Boston sports fan, and he never missed the opportunity to support those in need.

John was preceded in death by his parents and sister Joan. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his loving children John Joseph Murray VI of Knoxville, TN, and Katherine Murray (William) Ratliff of Hillsborough, NC, grandson Thompson Joseph Ratliff, and his siblings - Eleanor Murray, Elizabeth Murray, and Thomas Murray of Duxbury, MA, Mary Murray of Nashville, TN, Joseph Murray of Braintree, MA, and Edmond Murray of Carmichael, CA - along with five nephews and eleven nieces.

“The funeral mass will take place on Friday May 19 at 10 AM at the Holy Family Church in Duxbury, MA, followed by a celebration of John’s life at the Duxbury Bay Maritime School from 12 noon until 3 PM.” In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Shade Tree Clinic at Vanderbilt and The Branch of Nashville food bank.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.marshalldonnellycombs.com for the Murray family.