John Anthony Murphy, 44, of Arvada, Colorado, passed from this life on February 1, 2024. He was born on April 27, 1979 in Mariposa, CA.  Growing up in Oakhurst, California, John was proud that Yosemite National Park was practically his backyard and the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains were his childhood stomping grounds. John attended school in Oakhurst and graduated in 1997 from Yosemite High School. He and his siblings spent their childhood summers at Skylake Yosemite and Skylake Ranch camps learning skills like archery, canoeing, water skiing, swimming, and horsemanship. He loved telling his children stories of his summer camp adventures and in turn shared the skills he learned with them in the Colorado Rockies. 

 At 14, John and his childhood best friend started a weed-eating business so they could pursue the up-and-coming sport of snowboarding and spent many weekends riding the backcountry. After high school, John turned down a college football scholarship and instead attended ministry schools in Denver, Colorado where he heard "there might be some opportunities for snowboarding and outreaches!"  That was all he needed to know. There, he would meet his future wife and spend the majority of his career as a volunteer, training young people for short-term ministry trips around the world. He traveled to over 40 countries in various teaching and service roles. He pioneered a school for Snowboarders, Skiers, and Skateboarders in the Rocky Mountains and led the school alongside his growing family for 13 consecutive years. His passions in life were Jesus, his family, and to see young people, especially the down and out, find grace and transformation through the love of God. 

John was diagnosed with colon cancer on his 21st birthday and battled many health challenges through his adult life. After his time spent in ministry, he worked for DT Construct, volunteered with Neighborhood Rehab Project and most recently for Meadowlake Construction.  In recent years, he loved being an assistant coach for one of his son's baseball teams. He loved taking his kids to Rockies baseball games, snowboarding, fishing, camping, and supporting them in their various sports and dance activities.

It quite literally broke his heart to miss any important life milestone of his children and would be among his greatest regrets. 

John will be dearly missed by all who knew him. He will be remembered for his passionate, charismatic, personable and caring nature, gentle smile and giver of the best hugs. 

He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Bethany Murphy, and their children: Isaac (Gabrielle), Jada (Nicholas) Russo, Emily, Ivan, Adin, Lily, Haven, and Aspen. His sister, Catherine (LeRoy) Sauceda and nephew Tyler (Grace) and niece Addison. His brother, David (Vanessa) Murphy and nephew Jack. Uncle Donald Adams, Aunt Debbie Adams, cousin Alexandria (Charlie) Heumann, and their children Valarie and Collins. Aunt Rosa Adams. His brother-in-law Jason (Karena) Whitaker, nieces Jerrah and Makaylyn, nephew Elijah, and their foster children. His in-laws, Uncle Mike and Auntie Lyn Ackerman & Great Grandma Audrey Piehl and many, many beloved friends worldwide.  

John was preceded in death by his first daughter Eliana (Elly) Joy Murphy, his parents John and Janis Murphy, mother and father in-laws-Elaine Whitaker and Eric Whitaker, Uncle John Adams, Grandmothers Shirley Wildenradt and Opal Murphy, Valin Great Grandparents and newborn grandson Luca James Russo.

A service to honor John's life will be held at Faith Church at  6250 Wright St, Arvada, CO, on February 22, 2024 at 12 noon. Romero Family Funeral Home in Denver, CO 80211 is assisting in arrangements. Interment of ashes to take place at the Golden Cemetery.  

John's desire in life was that everyone he knew would, "Ride forth Victoriously on behalf of truth, humility, and justice." Psalm 45:4

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