Kiguma Jack Murata

MURATA, KIGUMA JACK
Born on December 29, 1909, Jack's scientific career took him from the fields of Marysville, CA, to Italy, Brazil, Japan, Costa Rica, Hawaii, and other far-flung geologic sites. A veteran of 47 years of service in the U.S. Geological Survey, he was widely recognized for his meticulous geochemical research, including the Department of Interior's Distinguished Service Award and the naming of a newly discovered mineral in his honor-Murataite. Following his retirement in 1977, Jack returned to the Sacramento Valley to be among family and friends and was thrilled to be called back to active scientific service when Mount St. Helens volcano erupted. A loving husband and father, he succumbed peacefully on December 27, 2001, to pneumonia, following a stroke three months earlier. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Elizabeth, of Sacramento; son, Steve, and daughter-in-law, Cookie, of Riverside, CT; two sisters, two brothers, two grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, December 30, 2001, at 3:00pm at the Sacramento Japanese United Methodist Church (SJUMC), 6929 Franklin Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95823 (916-421-1017). In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the SJUMC Legacy Fund.