[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 141 (Wednesday, October 8, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1997]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1997]]
                         TRIBUTE TO JACK MURPHY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT T. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 8, 2003

  Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in tribute to Jack Murphy, one of 
Sacramento's most respected citizen leaders. Jack was regarded as a 
well-respected and important figure in the Capitol Region. I ask all my 
colleagues to join with me in remembering one of Sacramento's most 
beloved citizens, and my dear friend, Jack Murphy.
  John Joseph Murphy was born to David and Catherine Murphy on March 
28, 1914 in Boston, Massachusetts. Jack earned a bachelor's degree from 
Boston College in 1935, where he excelled in debate and speech. Jack 
worked in the insurance industry in Boston until the start of World War 
II. Like many other young men of his generation, Jack embraced the 
opportunity to serve his nation in a time of need. Jack met and married 
his first wife, Bettejo Kitt, while stationed in Stockton, California 
in 1941. Three years later in 1944, Jack would become the commander of 
a company that followed the initial charge onto Omaha Beach, Normandy.
  Jack began his nearly 60 years of association to Sacramento when he 
returned to civilian life in the fall of 1945. Jack began working for 
Traveler's Insurance Company that shared space with Pickett-Rothholz 
Company. Impressed with his great work ethic and tremendous intellect, 
the Pickett-Rothholz Company, an insurance company, lured Jack to join 
them. Jack would eventually own and operate the company with his son, 
David, until his retirement in 1985.
  In his personal life, Jack was an active and important member in the 
political and civic circles in Sacramento. To many, Jack was simply 
known as ``Mr. Democrat'' for his close associations with prominent 
candidates and elected officials. In addition to being my trusted 
confidant, Jack played important roles in the campaigns for President 
John F. Kennedy, Governor Pat Brown, and Congressman John Moss. Jack 
was also frequently asked to be the marshal of parades and the master 
of ceremonies at various functions. In 1956, Jack introduced Adlai 
Stevenson when he campaigned in Sacramento for the presidency.
  Jack served in a number of leadership positions during his 
illustrious career of community service. Jack served as commander of 
Post 61 American Legion, president of the Rotary Club of Sacramento in 
1965, and trustee of Sutter Hospitals Foundation. Jack was the 
recipient of the Silver Beaver Award and Scouting Man of the Year 1991 
by the Golden Empire council of the Boy Scouts of America. In 1973, 
Pope Paul VI bestowed Jack with the rank of Knight of St. Gregory the 
Great after his work as chairman of the Board of Catholic Charities.
  Preceded in death by his first wife Bettejo Murphy, Jack is survived 
by his wife, Jean Runyon; four children, David Murphy, Patricia Murphy 
Yoldi, Kathy Tscheu, and Bettejo Davidson; two stepchildren, Elizabeth 
Mulligan and Stephen Mulligan; 15 grandchildren; six great-
grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, as Jack Murphy's family members and friends gather to 
honor his legacy and many contributions, I am honored to pay tribute to 
one of my closest friends. His successes are unparalleled. I ask all my 
colleagues to join with me in paying my respect and acknowledging the 
deeds and life of an extraordinary man.

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