Jim Murray

Austin resident Jim Murray passed away on March 28th after a long and valiant battle with brain cancer at the age of 49. Jim's relatively short life was highlighted with many unique and noteworthy accomplishments. However, he was most proud of his beloved family, and is survived by his wife Sondra, whom he married in 1998, and their 3 wonderful children: Anna Catherine, Claire and Jay. Jim made spending time with them his top priority and they will always be blessed with a lifetime of heartwarming memories they shared together at their hilltop home in Westlake Hills. Born in Independence, Kansas, Jim graduated from Morris Community High School in Morris, Illinois in 1979. As a gifted student he went on to earn a B.S. Degree from Rice University in Houston, Texas and a law degree from the University of Texas at Austin. In 2002 Jim played an important role in the legal history of this country by courageously filing one of the first complaints under the whistle-blower provisions of the Sarbanes Oxley Act. Jim's complaint resulted in three reported court decisions and he concluded this phase of his life in 2005 by resolving the litigation under mutually agreeable terms, which acknowledged that he had made a valuable contribution to TXU Portfolio Management Company during his tenure and with mutual well wishes for future success. In 2007, Jim conceived the development of the state-of-the-art Pondera King natural gas fired combined cycle facility in Houston, Texas. This facility will hopefully become a reality and is scheduled to be operational by 2014. As a result of Jim's vision and commitment to this project he has accomplished one of his lifelong dreams of providing low cost electric power while, at the same time, helping to significantly improve air quality. Jim had a huge circle of loyal and dedicated friends with whom he shared the peaks and valleys of his life. The Murray's would like to extend their sincerest appreciation to all of these friends and family members who where such a source of strength and support during this difficult time. They are also grateful for the loving support the entire family received from the gifted and caring people at Wonders & Worries and Christopher House. In addition to his wife and children, Jim is survived by his parents, BJ and Marca Lee Murray and sister Marilea Hickman. A celebration of Jim's unique and glorious life will take place in the Smith Chapel at Riverbend Church at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 31st. The family will greet visitors at the home of Allen Gilmer and Riki Rushing, 1119 Red Bud Trail, Austin, 78746, parking options will be available. Graveside services will be private. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made in Jim's name to Hospice Austin, 4107 Spicewood Springs Road, Suite 100, Austin, Texas 78759 or to Wonders and Worries, 923 Westbank Drive, Suite C, Austin, Texas 78746.