Having received a Doctorate that led to a career in recreation, Jack Murtha was involved in square dancing since college — almost half a century. He introduced the activity to many thousands of men and women, boys and girls in the northern part of California. The original Director of Woodleaf Outdoor School, Jack was deeply involved in the education of children and developed a Square Dance Teaching Program for elementary schools. In an attempt to reach out to even more people, Jack developed the Diamond System, a series of records and written instructions, which made it possible for other callers and dancers to enjoy the hobby. This system is in use in many places around the world today. For over ten years, Jack and Thelma flew to China to teach the Chinese dance leaders to dance, teach and call American square dances. The Murthas played a major role in bringing a group of the China dance leaders to America where they attended the Callerlab Convention in Los Angeles. Jack attended all the Callerlab Conventions and over the years he served on a number of important committees and was chairman of several. He received the Chairman's Recognition Award for his dedicated service to the organization and to the square dance activity. For many years Jack maintained an archives of square dancing, recording the backgrounds and experiences of many of the activities' leaders. Jack passed away in July 1999 and was posthumously awarded Callerlab's highest honor, the Milestone Award, in 2001.