Jessica L. Nunamaker Murray

• In Loving Memory of
  Jessica Nunamaker Murray
  September 30, 2026
  
  

With profound sadness and hearts filled with love, we announce the passing of Jessica Nunamaker Murray, affectionately known as "J," at the age of 48, after a courageous battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.

Whether you knew her as "J," Jess, Jessie, or Bird, she was a sweet, kind, and loving soul whose gentle spirit touched everyone fortunate enough to know her. She found joy in tending her flowers and garden, raising butterflies, walking the Old Plank Trail with her mom, and visiting farmers' markets. Music also held a special place in her heart, especially the bluegrass of Billy Strings, which she and her husband, Sam, enjoyed together as they followed the band to different states to see and hear their concerts.

Above all, Jess treasured the people and companions who brought meaning to her life. She shared a deep and devoted bond with her husband, Sam, and her cat, Samson. She followed her nephew Camden's life with love and pride and shared a close relationship with her mother, Betsy. The love Jess gave and the memories she created will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew her.

Though her time on earth was far too short, Jess's kindness, warmth, and appreciation for life's simple beauty will continue to live on in the people she touched. Her memory will return in a blooming garden, the flutter of a butterfly, a favorite song carried on the breeze, and the quiet peace of a walk outdoors.

She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten. May her memory be a garden that continues to bloom-a place of beauty, peace, and love where her spirit lives on.

Jess moved to Arizona 16 years ago, then back home to Frankfort. She worked at Refresh Physical Therapy (formerly Orthopedic Physical Therapy Services) in Homer Glen, as an office manager for 10 years.

She is survived by her husband, Sam (Steven) Murray; her mother, Betsy (Elizabeth) Nunamaker; her sister, Keely Nunamaker; her brothers-in-law, James and Richard Murray, Jr. and their families; numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins; her best friends, Nikki Jack, Gina Faith, and Christina Altman; and many more friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Neil Nunamaker; both her paternal and maternal grandparents; her father-in-law, Richard; and her mother-in-law, Laurel.

Until we meet again, may the gardens bloom brightly, butterflies dance freely, music fill the air, and every path outdoors lead us back to the love Jess left behind.

A celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, November 22, 2026 from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM at CD & Me, 23320 South LaGrange Road, Frankfort, IL 60423 in The Mica Room. Words of Comfort will be shared at 1:00 PM.

Arrangements entrusted to Kurtz Memorial Chapel Frankfort, 65 Old Frankfort Way, Frankfort, IL 60423.