Biography: Dr. John Lester Murphy, 84, of West Monroe, was healed of cancer and met Jesus face to face on January 28, 2021. “Jack” was born on December 9, 1936 in Norfolk, Virginia.
The son of a Naval officer, Jack moved often while growing up, attending Fort Madison Junior High School in Fort Madison, Iowa, and graduating from Oak Harbor High School in Oak Harbor, Washington. An Oak Harbor Wildcat, Jack was known as “the meanest left guard on the Puget Sound” and earned the Inspirational Award from his teammates. He was known to be the first one on the field and the last one off– a statement of his character and commitment to being the best he could be that would follow him throughout his life. 
After serving his country as an airman in the United States Air Force, Jack followed in his grandfather’s and father’s footsteps and earned his Doctorate of Chiropractic from Palmer Chiropractic College in Davenport, Iowa. In private practice for fifty-six years, he also served on the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners, the Louisiana Board of Chiropractic Examiners, and was a Member of the Board of the Chiropractic Association of Louisiana. 
Known as “Pawpaw Jack” to many, he enjoyed helping out with his grandson’s baseball and football teams and serving game day breakfast to the West Monroe High School football team. 
Gifted with a beautiful tenor voice, Jack used his talent to serve his Lord as a member of the First Baptist Church Sanctuary Choir and the men’s gospel group, The Kingsmen. He taught Sunday School to senior high school boys for several years and served as a Sound Foundation sponsor. He was a member of First Baptist Church of West Monroe and the Soul Seekers Sunday School Class. Jack also served as a mentor for several West Monroe High School football players through the Rebel Encouragers ministry of First Baptist Church. His greatest hope was for his loved ones to join him in Heaven through salvation in Christ. 
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. L.T. Murphy and Louise Murphy, and son, Shayne McClure.