Capt. James L. "Jim" Hurt

1942 - 2014

Captain James L. Hurt, US Army, Retired was born on December 15, 1942 in Pittsburg, Kansas to Hazel Viola (Little) Hurt and Lee Edward Hurt.  He died on September 12, 2014, surrounded by his loving family.  He married Barbara Marie (Williams) Hurt on October 7, 1967. She survives of the home.

He attended Pittsburg schools and PSU.  He was in the US Army and served in the 189th Helicopter Company, Pleiku, Vietnam as an Aircraft Commander.  He received numerous medals including the Distinguished Flying Cross for valor in aerial combat, 27 awards of the Air Medal for Valor in aerial combat, Aviation Badge, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Quadruple Bronze Star attachment, Expert Infantry Badge, Republic of Vietnam Campaign ribbon, Expert Badge and Auto Rifle Bar and Pistol Bar, Sharpshooter Badge and Rifle Bar.  He later served as Commander of Bravo Company, Fifth Battalion, Third Brigade, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.  When an injury left him unable to fly, he was medically retired on October 5, 1973.  He was later employed by the United States Postal Service from 1976 until he retired in 1999. He was a youth softball, baseball and football coach and Boy Scout Troop Leader.  He held membership in American Legion Post 64, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Disabled Veterans of America.

He was proud of his military service but at heart was a family man.   His greatest pride was his family.  He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle.  In addition to his wife, he is survived by daughters Jenifer McDonald and husband Chris of Pittsburg, Lee Ann Hurt Gazi and husband Kenan of London, England, Heather Spaur and husband Brandon of Pittsburg, son James L Hurt II of Pittsburg, two cherished grandchildren, Camden Lee Hurt McDonald and Madison James Spaur, both of Pittsburg, and one expected grandchild of London, England. Sisters Wanda Wilson and husband Ken of Ridgeland, South Carolina, Mary Windsor and husband Murvel of Pittsburg, brother Rick Hurt of Fort Scott. Sisters-in-laws Marlane Williams of Pittsburg, Annette Schreppel of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, Ruth Maus and husband Terry of Frontenac, Marcille Niegsch and husband Dan of Mulberry and Janice Arthur and husband Gregg of Pittsburg and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Nadine Oeth. 
Memorial Services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday September 17th at the Bath-Naylor Funeral Home in Pittsburg.  The family will receive friends prior to the memorial service at 9:30 a.m.  Committal services with full military honors will take place at the Fort Scott National Historic Cemetery following the memorial service.  Friends may call the funeral home after 9 a.m. Tuesday to sign the register.  Condolences can be sent to www.bathnaylor.com  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society or the Hughes Syndrome Foundation.  Memorials may be brought by or mailed to the Bath-Naylor Funeral Home 522 S. Broadway Pittsburg, KS 66762