JOSEPH MCMURRAY

1927 - 2016

JOSEPH MCMURRAY Joseph "Jack" William McMurray, 88, of Las Vegas, entered into eternal peace Friday, Jan. 15, 2016, at Mountain View Hospital in Las Vegas. Joseph was born May 26, 1927, son to the late Joseph and Ruth McMurray. He graduated from Keokuk High School in 1945, and enrolled with the U.S. Navy from 1945-46. Upon his return, he wed the late Billie Ann Beal. He went on to graduate in 1951, from Parsons College in Fairfield, Iowa, and then attended Harvard Business School. Joseph and Billie had four children together. Broadcasting was his passion, serving the broadcasting industry for over 40 years. He began his career in broadcasting in 1960, with Donrey Broadcasting managing KORK radio. He was named manager in 1969, and appointed to executive vice president in 1970, to oversee both TV and radio. He served on the Donrey Broadcasting Board of Directors from 1972 to 2000. One of his biggest and proudest accomplishments was his creation of KNUU-AM, the first and only "all news" station in Las Vegas, in 1977. He was the very first recipient of the prestigious "Las Vegas Broadcaster of the Year" award, given by the Uptown Kiwanis Club. Once retired from the broadcasting industry, he was the original founder of Jiffy Smog that opened several locations within Las Vegas. Joseph was an active businessman serving the communities in which he lived. He served as president of the Nevada Broadcast Association in 1965, former vice president of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, vice president and board member of the Las Vegas Business Council, president and board member of the Las Vegas Better Business Bureau and vice president and board member for United Way of Nevada. He was also involved in the Masonic Lodge and Zelzah Shriner. He married Beverly June Bright Nov. 15, 1973. She preceded him in death in 2008. They especially enjoyed traveling together in their motor coach. His other interests included family and boating and spending time with his dogs, which were always by his side. He loved going to church and enjoyed being a member and attending the Mountain View Presbyterian Church of Las Vegas. He leaves his loving memories to be cherished by his brothers, Carl and Fred of Keokuk, Iowa, and Don of Shreveport, La; sisters, Gladys Hunzaker of Kahoka, Mo., and Betty Anthony of Fort Madison, Iowa; daughters, Susan Kwasneski (Steve) and Kellie McMurray of Las Vegas; sons, Nicholas McMurray (Wendy) of Las Vegas, and Stephen McMurray of Joplin, Mo.; grandchildren, Kristi, Shari, Adam, Joseph and Siena; and great-grandchildren, Connor, Ocean, Madelynne, Audrey, and Olivia. Services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 15, at Mountain View Presbyterian Church Las Vegas, 8601 Del Webb Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89134. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to A Home for Spot. http://ahome4spot.com/in-memory-of-joseph-jack-mcmurray/