Obituaries

Gerald (Jerry) Francis Murray, age 78, of Oak Park, Illinois, passed away on Wednesday, April 7, 2021.

Jerry was the fourth child of six siblings, born to James and Rose Murray of Chicago, IL on October 15, 1942.  He graduated from DeLaSalle High School in 1960. Jerry went on to Chicago State University (Chicago Teachers College) and spent a year and a half as an elementary school teacher with Chicago Public Schools.  He joined VISTA (Volunteers In Service to America) where he worked with local community organizations in California.  Upon returning to Chicago he taught at Providence-St. Mel High School in Chicago for two years before entering Loyola University School of Law, Chicago. Jerry went on to practice law for 40 years focusing on insurance law and adoption law.

Elaine and Jerry were united in marriage on August 30, 1969 and moved to Oak Park in 1972, where they lived for nearly 50 years.  Jerry was a pillar of the Oak Park community and served as a liaison for many public service organizations. He volunteered at the Oak Park Food Bank and Housing Forward (formerly known as PADS).  In the late 80’s and early 90’s Jerry was a critical part of bringing pro bono law services to individuals and families in Oak Park.  He was a prodigious volunteer for the Oak Park Democratic Party (DPOP).  Recently, Jerry was named Volunteer of the Year for his work with DPOP.   Every Saturday morning, you could find Jerry at the Oak Park Farmer’s Market in any multitude of volunteer roles surrounding voter registration, climate change action, and upcoming elections; never forgetting to bring home blueberries and donuts to Elaine.

Outside of community activism, Jerry’s passion was for nature and conservation.  He spent countless hours on Sierra Club trips and volunteering on behalf of protecting the environment.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Elaine of Oak Park, his son Joseph (Jenny) of St. Charles, IL and daughter Norah (Daniel) of Lake in the Hills, IL; adored by his seven grandsons, Connor, Devon, Dylan, Michael, Derek, Owen and Francis; brother Tom (Judy), brother Jim (Ann), sister in law June, sister Rosemary, brother Bob (Linda); and dozens of nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and brother Jack.

Visitation will be held Monday, April 12, 2021, 2:00pm until the time of funeral service at 4:30pm at Yurs Funeral Home 1771 W. State Street, Geneva, IL 60134.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club on behalf of Jerry Murray.  https://www.sierraclub.org/illinois/get-involved/donate

For further information please call Yurs Funeral Home Geneva 630-232-7337 or www.yursfuneralhomes.com

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