James Murad

James Murad
June 4, 1935 - December 31, 2020
James (Jim) Murad passed away on December 31, 2020.

Jim was born in Detroit, Michigan, on June 4, 1935. His parents were Greeks from Turkey, who emigrated to the US in the 1920s. Jim, a first generation American, grew up in San Francisco. After graduating from George Washington High School, he spent four years in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served with the Military Police. After being discharged from the Marines and finishing university, he received his JD from Hastings College of the Law. He was admitted to the State Bar of California in January 1964. He worked for the Attorney General of California for two years. In 1966, Jim joined the San Francisco law firm of Cooper, White, and Cooper, where he practiced real estate law and ultimately became managing partner. He left the firm in 2001 and represented Lawrence Chan of San Francisco and Hong Kong. He continued to represent Mr. Chan, and several other clients, until his retirement.

After retirement, Jim enjoyed working with stained glass, initially buying and restoring old pieces. He later began designing and building his own pieces and accompanying frames. Constructing the frames inspired him to pursue woodworking, which became his passion. He studied and admired Greene and Greene architecture and furniture. He worked diligently throughout the rest of his life to create pieces reflecting that style.

Jim and his wife, Ruth, had a long marriage. They lived in Marin County for 40 years, during which time Jim served on the Belvedere Town Council and the Marin County Civil Grand Jury. The Murads traveled throughout most of Asia, and were both involved with the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, where Ruth was a longtime docent. Jim served as president of the Asian Art Commission.

Jim was predeceased by his brother and only sibling, Jordan Murad (Angela) of Milbrae. Jim is survived by his wife, Ruth, and two daughters, Allison de Gravelles (Patrick) and Celeste Murad. He is also survived by his much-loved three grandchildren: Flint Weldin, and Natalia and Vincent de Gravelles, as well as his niece Connie Newell (Mike) and nephew Christopher Murad (Lisa) and many great nieces and nephews.

His family thanks the nursing staff and rehabilitation therapists at the San Francisco Towers for their loving care during Jim's illness. Contributions in his memory can be made to the Asian Art Museum, the San Francisco Opera or to any charity one chooses.