Jessica Nunamaker Murray passes away at 48 after battle with brain cancer
The Frankfort community is mourning the loss of Jessica L. Nunamaker Murray, who passed away on September 30, 2026. According to reports from Kurtz Memorial Chapel and Legacy.com, the 48-year-old succumbed to glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.
Known affectionately by friends and family as “J,” Jess, Jessie, or Bird, Murray was recognized for a gentle spirit and a deep appreciation for the simple beauties of life. Her passing follows a courageous battle with the disease, leaving behind a family and a community shaped by her kindness.
The loss of a community member to glioblastoma highlights the profound impact of aggressive neurological diseases, which often strike individuals in the prime of their lives. For those in the Frankfort area, the news marks the end of a life defined by connection to both the natural world and the local community.
A life rooted in nature and music
Murray’s personal interests were deeply tied to the outdoors and the rhythms of music. She found significant joy in tending to her flowers and garden, raising butterflies, and visiting local farmers’ markets. She also shared a love for walking the Old Plank Trail with her mother, Betsy.
Music served as a cornerstone of her personal life. She and her husband, Sam, were avid followers of the bluegrass band Billy Strings, traveling across different states to attend their concerts. This shared passion for music was a central part of their bond.
Beyond her hobbies, Murray was a dedicated professional. She spent 10 years working as an office manager at Refresh Physical Therapy—formerly known as Orthopedic Physical Therapy Services—in Homer Glen. Her decade of service there established her as a steady presence in the local professional landscape.
Family and cherished connections
The impact of her passing is felt most acutely by her immediate family. She leaves behind her husband, Sam (Steven) Murray, and her mother, Betsy (Elizabeth) Nunamaker. Her sister, Keely Nunamaker, also survives her, along with her brothers-in-law, James and Richard Murray, Jr., and their respective families.
Her family noted her pride in her nephew, Camden, and her close relationship with her mother. She is also survived by her cat, Samson, and a wide circle of aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends, including Nikki Jack, Gina Faith, and Christina Altman.
Murray was preceded in death by her father, Neil Nunamaker, as well as both of her paternal and maternal grandparents. She also lost her father-in-law, Richard, and her mother-in-law, Laurel.
Celebration of life scheduled for November
A formal celebration of life for Jessica Nunamaker Murray will take place in Frankfort. The event is scheduled for Sunday, November 22, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
- Location: CD & Me, The Mica Room, 23320 South LaGrange Road, Frankfort, IL 60423
- Words of Comfort: To be shared at 1:00 PM
- Arrangements: Entrusted to Kurtz Memorial Chapel Frankfort, 65 Old Frankfort Way, Frankfort, IL 60423
Family and friends are invited to gather to honor her memory, which they hope will be reflected in blooming gardens, the movement of butterflies, and the sound of music on the breeze.
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