This Memorial Website was created in memory of our loved one, Joel F Murray, a remarkable soul who touched the lives of many, who passed away surrounded by his family on June 26, 2024, in Vancouver, Washington at the age of 38. His departure has left a void in the lives of those who were fortunate enough to know him. Born on August 14, 1985, in Portland Oregon, to Francis (Frank) Murray and Jean Rushing (Macfarlane), Joel's journey was one of passion and dedication.
The family has set up this memorial website in Joel's honor and
we encourage your photo contributions and comments.
Joel Murray Celebration of Life Memorial
Date:
Sunday, September 8, 20242pm to 5pm
Location:
Providence Academy Ballroom
(Downtown Vancouver)
400 E. Evergreen Blvd.,
Vancouver, WA 98660https://www.historictrustproperties.org/property/providence-academyWe invite you to join us in Celebrating the Life and Memory of our beloved son, Joel Murray, who passed away on June 26, 2024.
Joel brought joy and love to everyone who knew him. We
want to honor his memory with a gathering filled with love, laughter, music and
cherished memories. We will be sharing our fond memories of Joel and encourage
you to share yours as well. There will be some live music featuring songs by
some of Joel’s favorite artists.
Light Snacks, Appetizers and Non-Alcoholic
Beverages will be provided.
Please RSVP via email at fmurray24.7@gmail.com type
"Joel Murray Memorial RSVP" in the Subject line.
Memorial Parking:Parking is available at Providence Academy's main parking
lot off Evergreen Blvd. If additional parking is needed, the Vancouver Public
Library across the street provides free parking. There is also street parking
surrounding the area, which is always free on the weekends. ADA access is
located at the Northeast Entrance off of the main parking lot.
In Lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite
charity in Joel's honor.
With Love,
Frank Murray and Family
Jean Rushing and Family
Joel Francis Murray - Obituary
Joel Francis Murray, a remarkable soul who
touched the lives of many, passed away surrounded by his family on June 26,
2024, in Vancouver, Washington at the age of 38. His departure has left a void
in the lives of those who were fortunate enough to know him. Born on August 14,
1985, in Portland Oregon, to Francis (Frank) Murray and Jean Rushing
(Macfarlane), Joel's journey was one of passion and dedication.
After graduating from
Tumwater High School
(2003)
, he proudly obtained degrees from the
University of Washington, BA
in Political Science with Honors (2007)
, the
London School of Economics
and Political Science,
MSc in Philosophy and Public Policy (2008), and the
University
of California, Davis, School of Law, J.D. (2011)
. During law school, Joel
was a
member of the UC Davis Law Review, and completed his final year of
law school in Washington, DC while chairing a national political organization
as
President (Law School Democrats of America), completing an
externship
and fellowship in the United States Senate
, and finishing law school at the
Georgetown
University Law Center (2011)
.
Joel published two law journal articles
and
taught multiple continuing legal education (CLE) seminars.
Following graduation from law school, in
2011
Joel joined MDK Law
, a business law firm located in downtown
Bellevue,
Washington
. There, he was exposed to a wide variety of practice areas,
however, Joel primarily focused on legal issues affecting small and medium-sized
businesses, as well as investors in and owners of closely held businesses
including corporations, LLCs, partnerships and similar business entities.
Joel
had a diverse academic, legal and professional background. Joel offered legal
counsel and services on matters involving Administrative Law and Appeals of
rulings from State and Federal Agencies, Business law, Campaign Finance and
Political Law, Civil and Commercial Litigation, Election Law, Employment law,
Government Affairs and Legislation, Hospitality Law, Liquor and Cannabis law,
Local Government and Land Use law, Real Estate law, Tax law, Trademark law,
Transportation law, and related practice areas to meet the needs of businesses
of varying sizes and industries.
Joel
founded JFM Law in 2019 (
www.jfmlaw.org) utilizing his diverse
background, providing legal counsel and services to businesses of all
industries and sizes throughout Clark County, King County, Pierce County and
Washington State. JFM Law was originally based in Tacoma, Washington, however,
in 2021 Joel relocated to Vancouver, Washington where he sustained his practice
until he passed in June 2024.
In
addition to maintaining JFM Law,
Joel joined the
Vancouver,
Washington law firm, McKean Smith, from 2022 to 2023
, where his primary
practice areas were Administrative Law and Appeals, Business Law and Commercial
Litigation, Election Law, Government Affairs and Legislation, Hospitality,
Liquor and Cannabis, Local Government and Land Use, Real Estate, State and Local
Taxation, Transportation and Logistics.
Joel
was a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest and advocate for the continued
economic growth of Clark County, Washington State and the Pacific Northwest. He
was a licensed member of the Washington State Bar Association and practiced law
for over twelve years with a focus on assisting businesses and their owners
overcome the diverse and ever-changing legal challenges and needs that arise
within the course of doing business.
Over
the years, Joel served in a variety of community and leadership-oriented
positions. He served as student body president of his high school. As an
undergraduate at the
University of Washington, he
chaired a 30,000
member plus student organization
that advocated for increased federal and
state funding for higher education, was active in student government, helped
re-found and served as
vice-president of his social fraternity (Phi Kappa
Tau, University of Washington Chapter)
, and worked on multiple statewide
ballot measure campaigns in support of public education.
Throughout
his life, Joel was interested in local, state and national politics. Having run
a national political organization during law school, Joel continued to be
active in state as well as federal politics, and maintained relationships with
local, state and federal current and former elected officials, pundits, and other
politically engaged individuals.
Joel
was not only a brilliant legal mind, but also a person who was very well-read,
an exceptional writer, passionate about politics, fascinated by dictators, and
loved music: particularly Paul McCartney, The Beatles and the Rolling Stones.
His primary interests included University of Washington Athletics, golf,
current and foreign affairs, aerospace and defense policy, technology, politics
and political satire, economic and political philosophy, new urbanism/mixed use
and transit-oriented development, travel, New Orleans, the Salish Sea, The
Economist and The New Yorker. Joel was also kindhearted and had an admiration
for the Puget Sound and a love for animals. To his family and friends, Joel was
cherished for his eccentric interests and unique sense of humor.
In
the wake of his untimely passing, Joel leaves behind a large circle of loved
ones: including his parents, Jean (James) Rushing and Frank (Sherri) Murray,
sisters Jessica (Ethan) Crisp and Jenna Rushing, aunt Mary Macfarlane, uncle
Thom Macfarlane, uncle Jeff Murray, aunt Kay Fell and grandmother Elizabeth
(Betty) Murray, as well as many cousins, extended family and close friends. As
per his final wishes, Joel's ashes will be scattered at his family's cabin on
the Puget Sound during a private ceremony.
A
Celebration of Life Memorial will be held at the
Providence Academy
Ballroom in Downtown Vancouver, WA
on
Sunday, September 8, 2024, 2pm to 5pm.
The family has created a memorial website in Joel’s honor at www.forevermissed.com/joel-francis-murray, details of the
Celebration of Life Memorial will be available on the website,
please feel
free to contribute your photo/video memories and thoughts of Joel.
In Lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice in Joel’s name.
Joel, your memory remains forever in our
hearts, never forgotten and always loved. Rest in peace.