Meijer State Games of Michigan Announces 2024 Volunteer of the Year
Volunteer of the Year is presented by Lake Michigan Credit Union
Grand Rapids, Mich., December 5, 2024 – Officials with the Meijer State Games of Michigan announced Jim Murray as their 2024 Volunteer of the Year. Following the Meijer State Games of Michigan – Summer Games, a volunteer is selected as Volunteer of the Year between both the Winter and Summer Games. The recipient is nominated by athletes, fellow volunteers, spectators and tournament directors. Lake Michigan Credit Union is a proud supporter of Meijer State Games of Michigan volunteers and proud to present the Volunteer of the Year award.
The 2024 Volunteer of the Year along with the 2024 Athletes of the Year will be recognized at the 2025 Summer Games Opening Ceremony taking place on Friday, June 20 at the Meijer Sports Complex in Rockford, Michigan.
The title of Volunteer of the Year only scratches the surface on the service and dedication Jim Murray, a Grand Rapids native, has provided to the Meijer State Games of Michigan Judo tournament and beyond. Working as the sport’s tournament director from 2011 through 2024, he has spent hundreds, if not thousands, of hours producing one of the best judo competitions in the Midwest. An accomplished competitor himself, he has made it his life’s work to give back and help others find success. He founded Godai Judo, was the president of Konan Judo Association, and was president of Judo Affiliates of Michigan. Murray believes in the power of judo to help shape and positively impact the lives of all people spanning ages and demographics. In addition to all he has done for the judo community, he is involved in philanthropy as well, raising significant funds for the MS Society and the Cancer society. He has been proudly married for 38 years and has two wonderful children, including his son who is also a highly accomplished judo official. Murray’s servant leadership has touched so many lives, and the Meijer State Games of Michigan and judo community as a whole are deeply thankful for all he has contributed.
Previous Volunteers of the Year award winners include:
2023: Shari Hoke
2022: Don Passenger
2021: Mike Nutting
2019: Gary Wilfong Sr and Gary Wilfong Jr
2018: Jeff DeRegnaucourt
2017: Tony Schaub
2016: John Schowalter
2015: Isaac Washburn
2014: Joe Pontious
2013: Bruce Bustin
2012: Jim Haan
2011: Rhonda Bowens
About the Meijer State Games of Michigan: The Meijer State Games of Michigan is a multi-sport, Olympic-style event for athletes of all ages and abilities. Each year, 50+ sporting events take place and over 8,500 athletes compete in the Meijer State Games of Michigan. Like the Olympics, the State Games features an opening ceremony for athletes. The flagship event of the West Michigan Sports Commission, the Meijer State Games of Michigan is a member of the National Congress of State Games and is one of 30 State Games programs in the United States. Since 2010, the Meijer State Games of Michigan has hosted over 110,000 athletes and contributed more than $42 million in estimated economic impact. For more information, visit StateGamesOfMichigan.com.
