Obituary of James Earl Hurst

James Earl Hurst passed away peacefully on February 10, 2023, at the age of 86. He was born in Greencastle, Indiana, on August 7, 1936, to his late father Lowell Owen Hurst and late mother M. Frances Downing Hurst. James was a dedicated family man and was survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary Fitz Hurst, and their three sons, Dave (Jodie),Steve, (Lisa), and Chris (Collin). James was always thoughtful and had a warm smile that radiated love, kindness, and humor. He was an incredible grandfather to his four grandkids, Taylor, Casey, Jordan, and Conner, and was blessed with four great-grandchildren, Nora, Michael, Ada, and Betsy. James was an inquisitive person who had a passion for agronomy, which he pursued by studying at Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois, and obtaining an MBA from the University of Illinois in Champaign. He went on to have a successful career in the seed industry, starting at Funk's Seeds in Bloomington, Illinois, and then moving to Northrup King in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and later to Pride Seeds. James was an active member of various clubs and organizations, including the American Seed Trade Association, Optimist International, and the United States Tennis Association. He enjoyed participating in these organizations and was an integral part of their success. James's family and friends will miss his warm smile, humor, and kind-heartedness. His sister, Carol Hurst Lamberson, preceded him in death in February 2020. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Judy Fitz Hill, and several nieces and nephews, including Margaret, Stephanie, Stacie, and Kenny. A memorial service to celebrate James's life will be held on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 - 2:00 PM at the Cremation Society of Minnesota, 7110 France Ave S, Edina, MN 55435. James will be remembered for his loving, kind, and thoughtful spirit, and his memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.