Drop Zone Normandy
By Sir Napier Crookenden
Carve Her Name with Pride
By Rubeigh James Minney

Craig Robertson

Administrator
Staff member
  • SURNAME
Murray
  • FORENAME
Joseph James ("Joe")
  • UNIT
2nd Raider Battalion
  • RANK
Sergeant
  • NUMBER
  • DATE OF DEATH
10th July 2017
  • AGE
26
  • GRAVESITE
Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, USA. Section 60, Site 11776
  • ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
born 28.12.1990 Lake Forest, California, USA
parents Terrence and Karen Murray
2009 graduated Sandalwood High School, Jacksonville, Florida
08.2009 entered service
04.2016 2nd Raider Bn.
married Gayle Elizabeth Murray (4 children Isaac, Annabelle, Judah & Micah)
died due aircraft crash (KC-130, Mississippi)
Joseph James Murray, age 26, passed away suddenly on July 10th 2017, and was delivered into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 3rd at First Baptist Church of Jacksonville, North Carolina. The burial will follow at Arlington National Cemetery on a later date. Visitation will be held one hour before the service.

Joseph was born in El Toro, CA on December 28th, 1990. He graduated from Sandlewood High School in Jacksonville, FL. He then entered into the distinguished service of the United States Marine Corps.

Joseph married the love of his life, Gayle Elizabeth Murray, on June 11th 2011. They were married for six wonderful years.

Joseph's many accomplishments during his career as a United States Marine include two tours to Afghanistan in September 2010 and January 2012, both as a part of Operation Enduring Freedom. Joseph achieved the rank of sergeant and his personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with two gold stars in lieu of third award, Combat Action Ribbon, and a Good Conduct Medal with a bronze star in lieu of second award. In October 2015, Joseph became a Critical Skills Operator and was assigned to 2nd Raider Battalion, Hotel Company and served with Team 8231. His fellow Marines remember him as "calm as the breeze but the heart of a lion. No sooner would he smile at a friend than he would lay waste to those who would harm his brothers."

Joseph was known by all as a family man and a strong Christian. When not working hard to provide for his family and serve his country, he enjoyed spending time with his wife and kids and playing his ukulele or guitar.

Joseph is survived by his loving wife, Gayle; and their four young children, Isaac, Annabelle, Judah, and Micah. He was the son of his proud and loving parents, Terrence and Karen Murray; and brother David and Grace. He loss is deeply grieved by his family, friends, and all those who fortunate enough to have know him. May he rest in peace in the arms of the Lord.
 
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