James R. Hurst

December 25, 1934 - March 21, 2026

Private family burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Jim’s life will be remembered at a Celebration of Life Service at Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home in April, with a date and time to be announced. 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.

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, Jim, Jamie, Mackenzie (John) Huck. He was predeceased by his parents; stepmother, Clara “Janet” (Fisher) Sherman-Hurst; cousins, Marie Hurst Long, Donna Hurst Huck; several aunts and uncles.