Johnnie James Hurley Jr., son of the late Johnnie James Sr. and Nadine (Lee) Hurley, was born June 25, 1958, in Cabool, and departed this life May 15, 2021, in Tulsa, Okla., following a sudden illness while fishing with family. He was 62 years, 10 months and 20 days of age. He was united in marriage to Anita Tate on Feb. 9, 1980, in Hartville. Two children were born to this union. “Jimmie,” also known as “J.J.” to many, grew up at Manes and graduated from Mountain Grove High School in 1976. Following high school, Jimmie owned and operated a service station in Manes. After selling the service station, Jimmie went to work for OK Tire Shop, running a service truck. Jimmie also worked as a small engine repairman at Western Auto. He worked in fabrication at Hutchens Industries until he was disabled. Once he was unable to work outside of the home, he enjoyed taking care of his cattle and spoiling his grandchildren. Jimmie was a true outdoorsman. He enjoyed many outdoor activities which included hunting, feeding the hummingbirds, and taking care of his farm; but his true passion was fishing. He also loved driving his Honda Goldwing bike and trike on many trips with his wife and a host of friends. God had his hand on Jimmie from a very young age. He protected Jimmie from several dangerous adventures as a small boy which allowed Jimmie to be saved. He was baptized and joined Manes Baptist Church early in his life. He later joined Emmanuel Baptist Church, where he was ordained and served as deacon for the remainder of his life.
Besides his parents, Jimmie was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Hobart and Ressie (Wade) Hurley; maternal grandparents, John and Opal (Williams) Lee; and four brothers-in-law, Richard Kildow, Clifford Campbell, Hubert Sponsler and Arles Rumfelt. Jimmie is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Anita Hurley, of the home; one son, Jammie Hurley and wife, Megan, of Mountain Grove; one daughter, Sherrie Cooper and husband, Brian, of Mexico, Mo.; three grandchildren, Ivie Shelton, Matthew Hurley and Emily Hurley; one sister, Lindilee Kildow, of Mountain Grove; and a host of other relatives and many friends who will miss him greatly. Funeral Services for Jimmie Hurley were held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 19, 2021, in the Craig-Hurtt Chapel. Pastor Wayne Cannon and the Rev. Mike Wade served as officiants. Special songs were “Daddy’s Hands” by Kristy Schott, “Go Rest High On That Mountain” and “Wish You Were Here” by the Key Family, and “When I’m Good and Gone” by Kirby Clark and Jared Moore. Serving as pallbearers were Jammie Hurley, Matthew Hurley, Brian Cooper, Gary Hurley, Mike Crabtree and Kurt Ladendorf. Honorary pallbearers were Dwaine Tate, Delbert Tate, Nolan Tate and Larry Robertson. Burial was in the Manes Cemetery under the direction of the Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home of Mountain Grove. Memorial Contributions may be made to Gideons or Manes Cemetery in care of the funeral home. Online condolences www.craighurttfuneralhome.com.
