Template:Short description Jeff Knurek is an American cartoonist, industrial designer, and toymaker. He is the current cartoonist for the syndicated Jumble puzzle, working with David L. Hoyt.[1]
Personal life
Knurek was born in 1966 Wyandotte, Michigan.
In 2007, Knurek became an organ donor when he donated a kidney to a family member. Knurek and his cousin underwent the transplantation surgery at the University of Michigan Health System’s Transplant Center on July 11, 2007. His cousin suffered from Polycystic kidney disease.[2]
He currently lives in Fishers, Indiana, with his wife Kathy and his children Sydney and Cameron.
Professional life
Knurek graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in industrial design.[3] In 1989, while working for the I.D.E.A. toy invention studio, his creation Spikeball was marketed by Tomy.[3]
In 2002, Knurek partnered with David L. Hoyt, Tribune Content Agency, and Hasbro to develop the Boggle BrainBuster syndicated daily puzzle.[4][5]
Knurek is also the inventor of "What's in Ned's Head?" a popular game that has received several parenting awards. Since its creation in 2003, many schools are using this game as a secondary bonus to their classrooms and as an adjunct to speech therapy.[6]
In 2006, he developed Fundex Games's award winning "Monster Under My Bed!"[3]
He worked with Las Vegas magician Mac King to create and market Mac King's "Magic in a Minute" line of children's promotions, toys, magic tricks, videos, books, and events.[6]
Knurek took over as cartoonist for the Jumble in 2008, becoming the third cartoonist the syndicated feature's history. In 2014, he and Hoyt produced the Just Jumble app.[7] He has been a member of the National Cartoonists Society since 2013.[8]