John Forrest Murray, 79, of Cherry Valley, went to be with his Lord and Savior on July 2, 2024. Born April 3, 1945, in Batavia, NY; son of Arthur Franklin and Agnes Ann (Hoffmaster) Murray. Served in the United States Marine Corps during Vietnam War. John retired from Sundstrand/Suntec where he was employed from 1968 to the closing of the company in 2003. In his retirement, he worked at Bob's Golf Carts in Chana. United in marriage to his friend and soulmate, Lula L. Jones (Pack) on April 21, 1991, in Loves Park. John accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior in his adult years and attended Stonebridge Church. He had an amazing sense of humor and brought joy and laughter to any space he occupied. He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. John loved tending to his garden with his wife, Lou. He was mechanically inclined and could fix anything. John had a warm, giving heart and would help anyone who needed assistance. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing and watching Hallmark "chick flicks." Survived by his wife, Lou; children, Rosanne (Jason) Bonlander, Missie (Eric) Pierson; daughter-in-law, Melissa Jones; son-in-law, Trevor Shirk; grandchildren, Christopher (Jenn) Pierson, Rachel (Corey) LeGros, Andrea Pierson, Amber (Sean) Pekarsky, Shaleena Skarka, Kayla McKinney, Codie Jones, Zack (Rachel) Jones, Channie (Korbin) Johnson, Emma Kamholz, Bobby Peddycord, Brianna Peddycord, Claudia (Jersey) Norris, Billy Peddycord, Liam Lange, Landon Lange; numerous great-grandchildren; siblings, Arthur (Naomi) Murray, Peter (Mary) Murray, Althea "Pat" (Myron) Brady, James "Jim" Murray; brother-in-law, Jerry Cartwright; sister-in-law, Connie Murray; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. Preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Judy E. Shirk; son, Hershel Jones; father-in-law, Harry Pack; mother-in-law, Myrtle Pack, and her significant other, Robert "Kibby" McKibben; siblings, Cecelia Schaffer, Genevieve Cartwright, Paul Murray. John's family extends a heartfelt thanks and is grateful to the caring and compassionate staff at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center, Van Matre, and various home care providers; they are angels on earth and took such loving care of John during his many hospital stays. His family appreciates the many prayers and support received. Visitation is Monday, July 15, 2024, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, at Grace Funeral & Cremation Services, 4301 N. Main St., Rockford. Additional visitation on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, from 10:00 am to 10:45 am at Grace, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Live stream of the funeral can be viewed here: https://my.gather.app/remember/john-forrest-murray . Pastor Scott Nesse will officiate. Interment at Sunset Memorial Gardens following the service. Share a memory or condolence at www.graceFH.com .