James Leroy Hurst Sr.

James Leroy Hurst was born to Harold and Ruby Hurst on October 7, 1934. He passed away at age 82 on December 16, 2016. When James was 8 years old his grandfather gave him a heifer calf and that started his life as a farmer. Farming was in his blood. By the time he was 10 he had a cow to milk and another calf he showed in 4H. When he was 11 he started helping his grandfather farm. He plowed corn with horses and worked for a neighbor when he was 12. He learned to drive a tractor and plowed and worked around the farm and from then on he never looked back. He was hooked. By the time he was 15 he had made enough money to support himself. He bought a riding horse. When he turned 16 he bought a car and that car got him in trouble because he met a girl named Mary Lay. He sold the horse and bought an engagement ring. They were married August 29, 1953. Over the next few years they had 4 sons, Jim Jr., Kenny Ray, Michael Jeffrey, and Randy Arthur. In May of 1972 Mary was diagnosed with cancer and passed on Easter Sunday, April 14, 1974. In June of 1974 he started dating Janice Marie Langford Hurst and they were married November 29, 1974. During the time they were married they lived in Arizona, Kentucky, and Ohio and he still continued to work in farming. Janice passed away in August of 2009. Jim retired in the fall of 2009. James is survived by 4 sons, James Lee & Linda Hurst Jr., Kenneth Ray (late Pamela) Hurst, Michael Jeffrey & Elaina Hurst, and Randy Arthur & Lorrie Hurst. Three stepchildren, Gary & Lisa Hurst, late Debbie & Paul Anagnostis, and Diana Hurst. 10 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, 5 step-grandchildren and 5 step-great-grandchildren. Family will receive friends at Evans Funeral Home, 1944 State Route 28, Goshen, on Wednesday, December 21st from 10:30 AM until time of services beginning at 12 PM. If so desired, donations may be made to Hospice of Southwest Ohio or the American Diabetes Association . Casual dress, no suits or ties.