John Gilbert Murry

John G. Murry was born March 2, 1947, in Tacoma, Washington, to Lt. Colonel Roy G. Murry and Agnes G. Murry. After John’s father died in 1950, Agnes chose to remain in their home near McChord AFB and to raise John and his older sister, Mary E. Murry.

He attended St. Francis Cabrini, then Bellarmine High School, graduating in 1965. He then attended Gonzaga University for two years. In 1967 and 1968, he joined the Jesuit Volunteer Corps and served in maintenance at their school complex in Fairbanks, Alaska.

On returning South, he attended technical schools in Tacoma and Spokane, working industrial and commercial maintenance jobs. Then, in 1973, he found a real calling in aviation maintenance and entered the program at Spokane Community College, graduating with FAA licenses in 1975. So began five years with Spokane Airways and six more years with regional air carrier Cascade Airways. When Cascade ceased operations, he spent the next 14 years at Image Processor as an electronic technician, followed by 22 years at Isaacs and Associates. He also worked as an aircraft mechanic in his spare time. He retired in April 2022.

It was in aircraft mechanic school that he met the love of his life, Lana J. Basler. In 1982, they were married and settled in Walla Walla. They shared a love of aviation and enjoyed flying their Cessna 140 around the Pacific Northwest. They remained in Walla Walla and raised their two children.

It was difficult to catch John at rest, as he was nearly always repairing or building something. However, John always made time to stop and have a meaningful conversation. Those who knew him could attest to his endless repertoire of aviation stories and enjoyed thoughtful philosophical conversions. Everyone appreciated his broad knowledge of history and passion for continued learning.

John was known for his lifelong commitment to helping others. He was always ready to help with car repairs, home improvement projects and loved teaching his grandchildren these skills. He was dedicated to his family, church, and non-profit volunteer work. He was passionate about protecting human life and served in organizations like Human Life and Birthright. Many stories of his quiet acts of kindness continue to find their way back to his family, as he never chose to draw attention to his selfless nature. John’s strength, faith, and gentle nature will be carried forward by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister. He is survived by his wife, Lana Murry; his son, Roy Murry; daughter and son-in-law, Laura and Joe Dixson; and grandchildren, Aiden Antes, Callista Antes, and Cooper Dixson.

A Rosary will be held on Sunday, October 16, 2022, at 5:00 PM. at the Chapel of the Herring Funeral Home. A Mass will take place on Monday, October 17, 2022, at 10:00 AM. at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Walla Walla.

The family would like memorial contributions made to Walla Walla Valley Human Life or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network through the Herring-Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder St., Walla Walla, WA 99362. In addition, friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com .