James H. Hurst, Sr.

James H. Hurst, Sr. of Frostproof passed away Sunday, January 1, 2012 at the Somers Hospice House in Sebring.

He was born June 19, 1924 in Perry, FL to the late Augustus Hansel and Donnie Mae (Walker) Hurst. He has been a resident of Frostproof for 55 years. James graduated from Brandford High School and entered into the Marine Corp in 1942. He was a veteran of World War II, serving as an expert marksman. Jim married Louise Crane of Frostproof June 13, 1954. He taught biology, chemistry, coached football and baseball, and served as Athletic Director at Frostproof High School in 1957. He was inducted into the Frostproof Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008. Jim was an insurance agent with Polk County Farm Bureau for 27 years. He was then a partner with his son Jim Hurst, Jr. for 15 years in Hurst & Associates Insurance. Jim was a citrus grower for 45 years. He was active in the First Baptist Church including serving as past chairman of the Board of Deacons. Jim was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

James was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife of 43 years, Louise; brothers, Hugh, Bob, and Hubert. He is survived by his daughter, Cindy Wise (Doug) of Frostproof; sons, Jim Hurst, Jr. (Belinda) of Lake Wales and Mike Hurst (Kelly) of Avon Park; brother, Carl Hurst of Melrose, FL; eight grandchildren, James III, Marshall, Lindsey, Austin, Vicki, Justin, Tyler, and Jade; and five great-grandchildren, Amber, Matthew, Blake, Autumn, and Grace Louise.

First Baptist Church of Frostproof will be open for friends to pay their respects at 5:00 PM, with the service beginning at 6:00 PM Thursday, January 5, 2012. The family will be receiving friends before and after services. Interment will be held 11:00 AM Friday, January 6, 2012 at the Silver Hill Cemetery in Frostproof. Public is welcome.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to Somers Hospice House (1110 Hammock Road, Sebring, FL 33870). A donation box will be available at the service.

To view the services please click here .

To view the tribute video, please click the link below:
http://videos.lifetributes.com/273010