Jason Murphy

Organ donor

Age 19 – Reynoldsburg, OH

Donated on 6/29/2003

at Grant Medical Center

Honored by Lifeline of Ohio

Jason Murphy was an active young man who loved his friends, his family, and golf. People could always count on Jason to help others and to be a role model for his younger neighbors and cousins. Jason played baseball and golf in High School. His parents, both teachers, were proud of his accomplishments in athletics and in the classroom. With great support, Jason graduated and enrolled in college, majoring in golf course management. He loved life and lived it to the fullest.

Tragically, on June 27, 2003, Jason was been severely injured in a car accident. After days in the hospital, it was determined he had a traumatic head injury and would not recover. Jason’s parents already knew he had decided to sign up as a donor when he got his drivers license at age 16. He told them in a dinner table conversation that he thought it was “the right thing to do.” The night of his death, they honored his decision, and he saved three lives through the donation of his kidneys, liver, pancreas and heart.

Jason’s Story

Jason Murphy lived by the three F’s—Faith, Family and Friends. He was an active boy who loved his friends, his family, and golf. He could always be counted on to help others and to be a role-model for his younger neighbors and cousins.

Jason played baseball and golf for Reynoldsburg High School. His true love was golf. His parents, both teachers, were proud of his many accomplishments in athletics and in the classroom. School was not always easy for Jason and he received special education tutoring. With great support, he graduated and enrolled at Columbus State Community College, majoring in golf course management. He loved life and lived it to the fullest.

Tragically, on June 27, 2003, the Murphys received the call every parent fears—Jason had been severely injured in a car accident. After days in the hospital, it was determined he had a traumatic head injury and would not recover. On June 29, 2003, Jason was declared brain dead at the age of 19.

Mike and Sue already knew Jason made the choice to be a donor when he received his driver license at age 16. He told them in a dinner table conversation that he thought it was “the right thing to do.” The night of his death they honored his decision and he saved three lives through the donation of his kidneys, liver, pancreas and heart.

The Murphys have since met Jason’s heart recipient, Russ. Last year Russ and his wife Betty celebrated 50 years of marriage—something that would not have been possible without Jason’s donation. Mike and Sue were invited to be a part of the celebration.

Jason is missed every day by his family and friends, but they are consoled by the “Gifts of Time” he gave to others through donation. Each year they host a golf outing at the course where Jason worked to raise awareness about the need for registered donors and to raise money for a scholarship given each year in his name to a graduating senior at Reynoldsburg High School who received special education services.