Thomas Joseph Murtha Jr.

Thomas Joseph Murtha, Jr. passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 25,2020 after an almost 2-year battle with stage IV pancreatic cancer. Crystal, the love of his life, held his hand as he took his last breath and he knew how very deeply she loved him.

Tom was born and raised in Jacksonville, FL and attended Wolfson High School. He achieved his Associate of Arts degree from FCCJ. During his time in college, he worked for the YMCA providing before and after school 'primetime' care for many young children in Jacksonville. His time at the Y was a very happy time in his early adult years as many lifelong relationships were developed during this time. Being a big kid himself, he spent many hours in the pool, interacting with children under his care.

Tom then dedicated many years in retail management, including a locally-owned business. More recently, Tom worked in the non-profit sector in courier management for The Blood Alliance/One Blood.

From an early age, Tom had a deep passion for sports, especially Florida Gator football and University of North Carolina basketball. This passion was with him his entire life and later grew to include Fantasy Football and golfing with many good buddies. During his battle with cancer, he had the opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream of visiting Chapel Hill to watch UNC defeat their biggest rival in March 2019 with close friends who he considered 'brothers' for life. Tom also was a huge movie buff and music aficionado, appreciating all genres.

Tom had a magnetic fun playful personality and to know Tom, was to love Tom. His smile, positivity and sheer presence lit up a room. Many would say he had the gift of gab, but he never just talked, he drew others in and truly valued the relationships he built. He never met a stranger and was one of the kindest, truest souls and valued the ability to help others, no ask was too big.

Tom and Crystal's love story began when they were introduced by mutual friends in January 2008. From the moment they met, there was an undeniable spark, which led to their wedding in February 2010. Both Tom and Crystal affectionately referred to each other as 'Boopie' and over time so did many other close friends and family. They were not only husband and wife, but soul mates, best friends and life partners.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Crystal; his brother, William (Billy); mother-in-law Sharon Fisher, along with several close cousins; and many close, lifelong friends of which he considered his family. He is preceded in death by his mother, Mary Jane Horton and father, Thomas Joseph Murtha, Sr. as well as his stepfather, Robert Horton, who raised him from the tender age of 4 years old.

The family will receive friends and family 6-8 pm on Monday, June 29 at Greenlawn Chapel, 4300 Beach Blvd. A celebration of Tom's life will be held 11 am Tuesday, June 30 at Greenlawn Chapel, graveside services immediately following. In Tom's honor, please wear the following colors: UNC blue, Florida Gators or purple to represent the valiant battle he fought against pancreatic cancer.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Tom's name to: Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN), Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, American Diabetes Association or First Coast YMCA.