Each year during the CASH Annual Conference on School Facilities, in the memory of Jim Murdoch, CASH recognizes a member who has a commitment and dedication to the betterment of school facilities. Jim was the first legislative advocate for CASH and through his leadership, CASH became the strongest statewide organization with the mission of improving K-12 learning environments. In February 2018, Duwayne Brooks, former Director of California Department of Education School Facilities, was honored with this award.  Duwayne and his wife were traveling at the time of the presentation and could not be in attendance. CASH pre-recorded the presentation and it was shown during the Annual Conference.  [See video here]

In addition, Duwayne wanted to share the following about Jim with the CASH family:

I am sure many of you have your own favorite memories of Jim.  My favorite memories are the times Jim would call me, and we would brain breath about how we might improve things and expand the reach and influence of CASH. I know I am not the only person Jim would contact, but I felt honored that he included me in the circle of individuals he felt were worthy of consulting. He would call me on a regular basis, and I called those moments “my Jim time.” I looked forward to our chats, and I was pleased when, on many occasions, the things we discussed came to fruition because of Jim’s hard work.  

When Jim passed away I really missed my “Jim time”. It left a huge void in my life. I have to admit that I was angry when Jim passed away without me having an opportunity to talk to him at least one more time. But over the years, I realized I was being selfish, and I understood why Jim didn’t want a lot of people trooping in during his last moments. 

I just hope that Jim realized how much people admired, respected and appreciated his years of service to the millions of California school children passing through the halls and doors of our schools. I still miss my “Jim Time.”

~ CASH Staff