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Joel Murray Obituary
August 14, 1985 - June 26, 2024
Vancouver, Washington - Joel Francis Murray, Esq, a remarkable soul who touched the lives of many, passed away surrounded by his family on June 26, 2024, in Vancouver, WA at 38.
Born on August 14, 1985, in Portland OR, to Francis (Frank) Murray and Jean Rushing (Macfarlane), Joel graduated from Tumwater High School as Student Body President (2003), earned a BA in Political Science with Honors from the University of Washington (2007), an MSc in Philosophy and Public Policy from London School of Economics and Political Science (2008), and a J.D. from the University of California-Davis (2011). 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 (President of 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.
Joel was a member of the Washington Bar Association and practiced business law with MDK Law in Bellevue, WA, 2011 to 2018, founded JFM Law in Vancouver, WA in 2019: offering legal counsel for a very diverse range of business matters, www.jfmlaw.org, and was with McKean Smith Law in Vancouver, WA, 2022 to 2023.
Joel served in a variety of community and leadership-oriented positions throughout his career and was involved with local, state and national politics while maintaining active relationships with many elected officials.
Joel was not only a brilliant legal mind but also a person who enjoyed politics, was fascinated by dictatorships, and loved music: especially Paul McCartney, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. 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, 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, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The family has created a Memorial Website in Joel's honor at the following link:
www.forevermissed.com/joel-francis-murray Details of the Memorial are available on the Website.
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.
Memories and Condolences
for Joel Murray
2 Entries
Gabriel Watson
September 3, 2024
I only knew Joel for a brief period of time while he and I worked at the same firm. He was passionate and deeply knowledgeable about politics and the law. He had an encyclopedic memory of campaigning and campaigns and wasn´t afraid to share his thoughts-that is unique these days, and it is special. Joel was special. And I´ll miss him.
One measure of our time on earth is how those we spend that time with remember us. I will remember the way he made me think, made me chuckle, and made me smile. He was proud of the things he accomplished and had good reason to be. More than anything-he listened.
Sorry to hear of
Joel´s passing. He was way too young, but left a mark and that will live for years to come.
Maritza Herzog
July 23, 2024
Sometimes in these moments of sorrow it can be hard to find words of comfort to share with those left grieving, I pray that the love of friends and family carry you through this most difficult time and it is at times like these we can look to our creator "who is the God of all comfort" (2 Cor. 1:3)
Clearly grief is hard but having wonderful promises like these and the beautiful memories left by your loved one can really help us cope during difficult times.
Respectfully,
Community Volunteer
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results
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Memorial Events
for Joel Murray
Sep
8
Celebration of Life
2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Providence Academy Ballroom
400 E. Evergreen Blvd, Downtown Vancouver, WA
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