James William Hurst, son of the late Theodore and Dorthy (Bunch) Hurst, was born Sep. 28, 1934, in Buckhart, and departed this life Feb. 8, 2021, at his home near Mountain Grove, following a short illness. He was 86 years, 4 months and 11 days of age.

James grew up in the Buckhart community and attended the Hickory Flat school. He was united in marriage to Bonnie Jean Leach on Sep. 25, 1956, in Buckhart. Five children were born to this union. They raised their family just south of Mountain Grove, in Douglas County. James worked at both the saw mill in Gentryville and Harris saw mill in Mountain Grove for a few years.

He also worked for Richards Brothers Feed and Fertilizer for over 30 years before working at MFA Feed Store for another 10 years. When he wasn’t working, he was farming at home with dairy and beef cattle and raising chickens.

Needless to say, James was a hard worker who taught his children the value of earning an honest living and how to provide for their family. James enjoyed fox, coyote and coon hunting. He had a friendly personality and liked to talk with people. He also had a good sense of humor and enjoyed a good joke and pulling pranks on his family and friends. His greatest passion in life was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Besides his parents, James was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Bonnie Hurst; one daughter, Rhonda Jo Goss; one son-in-law, Steve Sartor; one daughter-in-law, Paula Hurst; two great-grandchildren, Graham and Cooper; and three sisters, Oneal Luellen, Agnes Williams and Ann Collins.

James is survived by two sons, James “Jim” Hurst, Jr., of Success, and Bradley Lynn Hurst and wife, Dawn, of Mountain Grove; two daughters, Brenda Kay Gibson and husband, Troy, of Vilonia, Ark., and Cheryl Ann Sartor, of Mountain Grove; 15 grandchildren, Tammi, Gilbert, Karina, Matthew, Gina, Robin, Billy, Hunter, Nevaeh, Preston, Joey, Candace, Jamie, Carrie and Caitie; 25 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Ella May Daugherty and Bertha Scherer and husband, Dean, all of Drury; one brother-in-law, Bob Leach and his wife, Ethel, of Norwood; three honorary grandchildren, Jaylee, Owley and Kason; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services for James Hurst were held Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021, at 2 p.m. at Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home with the Rev. John Bray officiating. Song selections were “Daddy’s Hands,” “Go Rest High On That Mountain” and “Amazing Grace.” Burial was in Clifty Hall Cemetery under the direction of Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mountain Grove.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Compasses or Clifty Hall Cemetery in care of the funeral Home. Online condolences: www.craighurttfuneralhome.com.