Our beloved Jason William Murphy (53) left this earth way too soon on Friday, September 1, 2023. This unexpected passing has left those who love him at a complete loss. Jason was greeted in Heaven by his father, Don Murphy, who was waiting at the tee box to play a long overdue 18 holes together. Jason was a best friend to everyone - friends and family - and will be deeply missed mostly by his mom, Linda Murphy; his brother Matt (Robin) Murphy, nieces Lauren and Leah; his sister Tracy (Gary) Wright, nephews Caleb and Colin; his brother David Long, nieces Alex, Mara and nephew Colt; and the many dear friends that Jason considered his chosen family.

Jason was born in San Jose, California, on March 4, 1970. He lived the majority of his school years in Boulder Creek, where he attended San Lorenzo Valley High School with his childhood best friend and brother, Jeff Gilbert, whom he loved to his core. Jason then went to Fresno State University where he majored in Education, and teaching was most definitely Jason’s calling. He was devoted to his students during his almost 30 year career, and he served as an educator in pretty much every role: teacher, coach of multiple sports and athletic director. His heart was at Lakeview Middle School, where he taught for the past 21 years.

Jason’s people were his life, and “Murph” had the qualities that everyone would want in a friend. He loved to have long chats about practically any topic, his sense of humor was unmatched, and no one was a more wealth of knowledge about the sports world - who got traded and what was going to happen to the team were nightly conversations. He was an avid San Francisco 49ers and Giants fan since he was little; one of his best memories was most definitely sleeping outside at Candlestick Park to get World Series tickets in 1987, only for the Giants to lose games 6&7.

Some of Jason’s most precious memories were those of travel with family and friends to Jamaica, Cabo San Lucas and Costa Rica.

Jason lived by the mantra to “always stay humble and kind.” He lived his life to love on others, and he truly lived his own best life. He found joy in the every day.

There will be a Celebration of Life to honor Jason in Santa Cruz, California. The hope is that all who loved Jason will be able to join together to remember this special man. More details will be provided at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pajaro Valley School District. To send your donation directly to Jason’s beloved Lakeview Middle School, please go to pvusd.net and select the option to donate. There you will be able to designate your donation specifically to LVMS in memory of Jason Murphy.