JD Murray

Joseph Dominic “JD” Murray, 48, will be remembered for the love and light he brought to his family, friends, and all who were lucky enough to cross his path. He passed away from pancreatic cancer on December 27, 2020, surrounded by family and his faithful dog Ruby at his home in Stevenson Ranch, CA.

Born in Minneapolis, MN, to Joseph and Martha Murray, JD grew up in Tiburon. His childhood was filled with summers at CYO camp, sailing on the bay, family beach vacations, trips to the Russian River, countless hours swimming at the TPC, building tree forts, cardboard sliding and roaming around Marin with his sisters and neighborhood friends. JD attended St. Hilary School, St. Ignatius College Preparatory (1990), and was an Honors Program graduate from Loyola Marymount University’s School of Film and Television in Los Angeles with a major in Film Production and a minor in Theater Arts (1994). He was a natural performer and acted in several plays and musicals, was inducted into the Alpha Sigma Nu Honor Society, and was a brother of Sigma Chi fraternity.

JD had a zest for life and a magnetism that drew people to him; one immediately felt the genuine warmth and kindness behind his bright blue eyes. His authentic smile and laugh came easily, along with his lightning-quick and offbeat wit. He loved to tease and poke fun to remind us not to take ourselves too seriously. JD could do anything: build a Murphy bed, whip-up a beef stew, make a fountain out of a rusty bucket, and navigate any social situation with ease. He was passionate about nature and the outdoors, leading hikes and beach expeditions with his children, nieces and nephews, befriending spiders and adding a dose of magic to any adventure he planned. JD had such an impact on people through the way he lived his life. He was a committed father, loving husband, inspiring son, playful uncle, proud younger brother and an expert at his craft.

As a professional camera operator and photographer for 26 years, JD captured both the images and the hearts of many TV, film, commercial, and corporate industry icons. He considered his coworkers a second family, and his charm and charisma inspired others to see the world in a more beautiful and meaningful way.

Above all else, JD was dedicated to his wife and best friend, Pamela, and his four children, who were the center of his universe.

JD is survived by his loving wife, Pamela, adoring children Pierson (17), Charlotte (16), Kathleen (10), Max (5); his beloved father, Joseph Murray; devoted sisters, Cynthia Murray (Bill) and Stephanie Bennett (Brad); his dear nieces and nephews Colin, Georgia, Kayla, Caden and Zarina along with an extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins; mother-in-law Santa Cruz Sanchez and sister-in-law Alma Briseño (Juan). JD was predeceased by his cherished mother, Martha, grandmothers Catherine Murray and Pearl Hoover, and father-in-law Horacio Briseño.

We are all better people for having walked beside JD in this life. Keep speaking his name, make a toast in his honor or tell a funny story about him so that his memory may live on in our hearts and minds. Endeavor to view the world through JD’s eyes, JD’s lens — see each other, listen deeply, laugh often, be kind, be inclusive, be a true friend and take a trip to Home Depot just to smell the lumber and crank up “Blinded by the Light” by Manfred Mann on your way home. That’s what JD would do, so let’s live like JD.

A celebration of JD’s life will be held at a later date. JD’s friends created a support fund for his family at www.gofundme.com/f/JDMurray. A contribution in any amount would be greatly appreciated.