Jack N. Murff

Jack N. Murff, age 79, of Nacogdoches, Texas passed away on Sunday, May 7, 2023. Jack was the epitome of a "citizen par excellence" and will be greatly missed here in Nacogdoches. Jack was one of the kindest and most generous people many have ever met. He was known for his warm smile, infectious laugh, and thoughtfulness.

Jack spent his early years in and around China, Texas but visited Nacogdoches most summers. After high school, Jack moved to Nacogdoches to attend Stephen F. Austin University where he studied Graphic Design. While taking a break from his studies, Jack was drafted into the Army during Vietnam. He was wounded and contracted malaria during that time but eventually made it back to Nacogdoches to finish his degree and graduated Class of 1971 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. After his military service, Jack worked for Moore Business Forms and Bailey's Men's Apparel but eventually his entrepreneurial spirit led him to own and operate several businesses including: The Greenhouse Pot Shop, Brick Street Antiques and in 1975; The Flower Shop and Greenhouse. The Flower Shop as it is now known has been a mainstay for weddings, anniversaries, remembrance of loved ones, new additions to the family, SFA and community events. Jack and his life partner Michael "Mike" Coppedge always enjoyed serving the residents of Nacogdoches and always did so with the utmost attention to detail and consideration of the emotional expression required. They touched many lives in Nacogdoches through The Flower Shop over the last forty-eight years. Jack's protégé and manager of The Flower Shop, Pamala Russell, will honor Jack and his legacy by continuing to do the same.

Jack's involvement in the community was not limited to his businesses. He was highly active in the community and his sense of commitment to Nacogdoches was unparalleled by most. He was a very active member of his college fraternity, Sigma Tau Gamma, and served as an advisor and the house manager of the fraternity house on Mound Street for many years. More importantly, he was a mentor, fraternity brother, and to some a father figure in the fraternity. His fraternity brothers could always count on Jack to help no matter the situation. As if this was not enough, Jack's community service also included many other community organizations such as the Nacogdoches Chamber of Commerce, Texas Blueberry Festival, Main Street, Scare on the Square, Downtown Merchants Association, and the Nacogdoches Christmas Parade; his service spanned many years and he served as member, director, board member or concerned citizen at one time or another depending on the organization. Notably, he was President of The Nacogdoches Downtown Business Association from 1995-1999 and President of the first Main Street Advisory Board in 1998. He was also part of the delegation that traveled to Austin to petition to have Nacogdoches recognized as a Texas Main Street City. Most recently, Jack was serving on the board of the SFA Friends of Visual Arts, an organization near and dear to his heart. This organization is dedicated to supporting the visual arts in Nacogdoches including the students and faculty of SFA and local galleries such as the Cole Art Center. Of equal importance was Jack’s treatment of his fellow citizens, whether it was a neighbor, friend or stranger, Jack was always wiling to help those in need. Nacogdoches is going to miss his compassion and benevolence.

Jack is preceded in death by his life partner of fifty years, Michael Coppedge, his parents, Leslie and Orene Murff, his brother, Olen Murff, and his brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Della Murff.

Jack is survived by Pamala Russell, who he considered a daughter, and her daughters Kristen Young and Kelli Pyle and their families.

He is survived by Josh Yuja, who he considered a son, Josh’s wife Laura and his children.

Jack is the beloved Uncle of several surviving nephews and nieces, who will miss his quick wit and awesome humor:

John Murff and Kristine Bartelli, their children, Matt Russum and wife Ginger, Mallory Sanford and husband Jeffrey, Kasie Dockens and husband Jason, Danielle Gallier and husband Taner and their grandchildren, Louie, Jack, Eli, Sonny, Gentry, Tripp, Aubrey, Jack and Grant.

Bill Murff and wife Susan, their children Mandy Kuftic and husband George, Jason Murff and Paige Parkhill, and their grandchildren, Hailey, Henry, Harrison, Harper and Hollyn.

David Murff and wife Diana and their children, Alexander, Alexis, and Max.

Ernie & Melissa Gallier (niece), their children Rebecca and Kaitlyn Hebb, Michelle and Patrick Riley, and grandchildren, Paxton and Brynn.

Nancy Murff (niece), her children, Michael and Meleah LeBlanc, Robert and Desiree LeBlanc, and grandchildren, Madyson Christian, Macey and Maximus LeBlanc, Forrest and Marshall LeBlanc.

Jack is also survived by many he called family including his Flower Shop employees, Matt Griner and Bryndan McGahey and many others that have worked for him; and of course, his many close friends, too many to list here, but including Mary K. Pollard, Benjamin Sullivan and Greg Clifton.

So that those who loved and admired Jack can celebrate and remember him, true to his generous and compassionate nature, Jack has provided for A Celebration of Life Service.

Celebration of Life Service to be held, Friday June 16, 2023, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, at The Cole Art Center at the Old Opera House, 329 E. Main St. Nacogdoches, TX.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to SFA Friends of the Visual Arts.

Send a personal check, made payable to SFASU-FVA

U.S. Mail, FedEx, UPS, etc., to:

Linda Mock

PO Box 13041, SFA Station

Nacogdoches, TX 75962-3041 or go online to donate at https://gosfa.com/jackmurff