After 56 years of service, AEP’s longest-tenured employee is retiring. Coshocton lineworker Jack Murphy joined Ohio Power Company on Oct. 7, 1968. His last day of work was Friday, Jan. 17.

Murphy said he became interested in the industry while watching a lineworker working on a pole outside his school. He started as a groundman after high school and worked his way up through the ranks. Murphy’s longevity and dedication runs in the family — his brother Dave also worked for AEP, retiring in 2020 after more than 46 years.

Jack Murphy

“It’s a good place to work,” Jack Murphy said. “I really enjoy the work here — I guess that’s why I’ve stayed around this long. It’s a great job.”

He said he’s enjoyed the camaraderie of the Coshocton crew, helping his community and traveling throughout the country for mutual aid. In Murphy’s five-plus decades here, the biggest changes he’s seen have been in safety improvements, followed by innovations to the tools and equipment lineworkers use.

Coshocton crew in the 1990s

“Work safe — don’t take shortcuts,” Murphy said as advice to his fellow line crews. “Ask questions and don’t be afraid to stop a job.”

Murphy’s known for his exceptional dedication to his role in serving our customers, rarely missing a callout. A 2016 internal article highlighted his 98% acceptance rate — completing more than 850 trouble callouts over a five-year span. He’s also had near-perfect attendance, having never taken a single sick day until last year.

“Jack Murphy is the best of AEP: he works safely, he’s reliable, and he’s dedicated completely to our customers, employees and company,” said Ryan Forbes, vice president of distribution operations. “He’s been an incredible team member.”

Former AEP Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Nick Akins and Jack Murphy

Murphy’s focus on customer service will be missed, said Les Davis, Coshocton distribution system supervisor. The good news is that he’s ingrained its importance with the other employees at the Coshocton garage.

“I always make sure to treat people just like I want to be treated,” Murphy said.

In retirement, he’s planning to take care of his family and travel. “I’m looking forward to not waking up at 5 a.m.,” he said.

Thank you, Jack, on behalf of our customers and your fellow employees. We’re wishing you many years of happy, safe and healthy retirement!

51 responses to “AEP’s Longest-Serving Employee Hangs Up His Hard Hat

  1. Thank you Mr M.. your service to Coshocton has been relentless and has jittery gone unnoticed. We appreciate you and best of health on your retirement.
    Job well done 😊

  2. Congratulations Jack on your retirement!! Enjoy your well deserved retirement and enjoy your life with your family.

  3. congratulations; well done; enjoy some time with those around you; thanks for your many years of time and talent

  4. Mr. Murphy,

    Many wishes for a successful retirement. I found your dedication to your employer more than amazing. Please keep safe and I have passed your work ethic to many a young adult.

    You truly are amazing and should be commended for your service to this company. I wish our youth had your dedication

  5. After myself retiring 12/31/24 47 years with the same company, Jack Murphy’s impeccable record is truly amazing at AEP. Jack should be very proud of his record and enjoy a long much deserved retirement. Jack has set the bar high for any career out there for an outstanding employee record and dedication to professional service. God speed Jack.

  6. Thanks for your unwavering commitment and dedication to our community/country; ‘Jack Murphy’ you set a very high bar!

  7. THANK YOU FOR A VERY LONG TIME OF DEDICATION, CARE AND LOYALTY TO HELPING OTHERS IN NEED OF HELP ‼️
    SINCERELY, ENJOY THAT RETIREMENT!!!
    TARA L MILLER

  8. Congratulations Jack. Your amazing work ethic is something to be proud of! Hopefully others have learned from you. Enjoy your retirement!!!

  9. Congratulations to Jack for his long AEP career. It’s rare to find a dedicated and satisfied person like this man. I am always impressed by people that serve others, and I bet Mr. Murphy left an impression on hundreds of people over the years.
    Good Luck and enjoy your retirement!

  10. It is a joy to read of the great contribution of Mr. Jack Murphy. I hope many of his younger co-workers practice and pay forward his work ethics.

  11. My father, in the T&D office, enjoyed knowing Jack before he himself retired in ’82. I had no earthly idea that he was still working up until a few days ago! One of The “unsung” people of Coshocton for sure.

  12. Happy Retirement Jack‼️
    You deserve it, thank you for your years of dedication.
    Enjoy your family, friends & travel.

  13. Impressive person, and impressive employee! Comforting to know that he and others like him are there when you need them!
    I hope he earned a really good pension at retirement! 56 years of caring for others deserves some care in return!
    Thanks for sharing the story with us!

  14. Congratulations!
    A job well done for sure! The fact that you stayed and endured all those years is to be commended. You are a great role model for others and those around you. God bless you and your family.

  15. Congratulations on your retirement Jack Murphy. Thank you for your lifetime dedication
    and hard work. You are a good man Jack Murphy!

  16. What a great story about a man who was dedicated to his work and customers plus keeping his colleagues safe. Glad you wrote this story.

  17. A job well done. In order to stay 50 something years at a job. You got to like it and be dedicated. So man I respect your dedication. Enjoy your retirement

  18. Congratulations! To you Mr. Murphy, you are very rare people to have worked over 50 years in a career. You deserves the best of life that God has for you and your family. I hope you all the best.

  19. Dear Jack,
    It is so refreshing to read about your work ethic. There are very few people who feel the way you do anymore and that’s why I worry for the nation’s future. You have cut out for yourself an exemplary career and it’s nice to hear that you have a wonderful retirement ahead of you!
    Congratulations!

  20. Wow~Such an impressive lineman! AEP has been lucky to have an employee like Jack~and for so many years as well! What an example he has shown other co-workers over the years! Thanks for sharing such an inspiring story with a positive message! May Jack enjoy may years ahead in retirement!

  21. Kudos to you Mr. Murphy!🎉
    Your work ethic is a credit to you and an example to others.
    May God bless you with a happy and healthy well earned retirement.🙏
    And thank you to all of you who faithfully keep our lights on!!🙂

  22. Wow, what a legacy to leave. Thank you for your service over the years. May your retirement be long and uneventful. May you find favor during your travels.

  23. Congratulations Jack on the dedication of your employment with Ohio Power. Being on the Trouble Truck performing duties by yourself day or nite in all kinds of weather and traffic is no easy task. Missing a lot of family time and function’s is sometimes hard. Not only having to use safety but also being aware of those that create an unsafe environment. Being an Area Servicer is huge responsibility along with a rewarding career while making friends along the way. I understand your passion for the job as I retired as an Area Servicer at Wooster Ohio Power in 2006.

  24. What a wonderful story, and sounds like a wonderful, hard working man. Congratulations on your retirement!

  25. Thank you for sharing this. It is heartening to here of people who take pride in their work and SHOW UP! I certainly hope Mr.Murphy has a long and happy retirement.

  26. Well done sir . Bravo zulu . Thank you from a grateful customer . They don’t make them , like you anymore .

  27. awesome career, jack
    live long and prosper with family friendss
    “live full throttle
    aswe cancer survivors say

    ‘ live full throttle; I know you will
    because you gave 150 percent so far

  28. Enduring this rigorous job for over half a century is superhuman ! The changes you have witnessed are memoir worthy. I hope that you are healthy and get the most wondrous retirement that you have worked so hard to achieve.

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