James R. Hurst
December 25, 1934 – March 21, 2026
Jim’s life will be remembered at a Celebration of Life Service at Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home on Friday, April 24, 2026, beginning at 11:00 AM. The family will receive friends at the funeral home beginning at 10:00 am, one hour prior to the service. Jim was laid to rest privately at Riverside Cemetery. The family would like to give special thanks to Espanola House, Gentiva Hospice and Bethany Reformed Church for their loving care. Memorial contributions may be made to Bethany Reformed Church, c/o the funeral home.
Obituary
James Rogers Hurst, age 91, went to be with the Lord on March 21, 2026. Jim was born in Milwaukee, WI on December 25, 1934. He grew up in Wisconsin Rapids with his parents, Emmett and Maurine (Rogers) Hurst. Jim attended several special education schools and spent many years on the family farm taking care of cattle, his horse “Barney” and doing farm chores. He eventually moved to Arpin, WI and spent many years there. In 2002, he moved to Kalamazoo, MI to be closer to family. He was a member of Bethany Reformed Church and enjoyed collecting matchbox cars. He is survived by his cousins, Keith (Kathy) Hurst and family; Phil (Rexene) Hurst and family; cousin-in-law, Brian Long; cousins, Patti Huck, Jim Huck and family. He was predeceased by his parents; stepmother, Clara “Janet” (Fisher) Sherman-Hurst; cousins, Marie Hurst Long, Donna Hurst Huck; several aunts and uncles.
My Mom and Dad built their house across the road from Jim and his folks in Wisconsin Rapids. So I knew him when I was a kid in the ’50s and ’60s. Once in a while he’d bring Barney over and give my brother and I a ride. He was always a nice, friendly guy. Before he left for Arpin, he gave me a model car that he’d built. The last time I saw him was in the mid-’70s at the fair in Marshfield, WI. Thought about him often over the years and am sorry to hear of his passing.