Obituary of Joel Francis Murray

Joel Francis Murray, Esq In Loving Memory August 14, 1985 - June 26, 2024 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. Joel, your memory remains forever in our hearts, never forgotten and always loved. Rest in peace.