Pamela Nell James-Hurley

PAMELA NELL JAMES-HURLEY of St. Paul, Texas was born February 15, 1954 in Denison, Texas and won her battle against cancer on May 13, 2017 in Dallas, Texas. She is preceded in death by her father James Melvin James, mother Suda Nell Mayes James, and brother Bert James. Pam is survived by beloved husband Tom Hurley, of St. Paul, Texas, half-sister Louise Cox of Alabama, and many heartbroken friends.

After graduating from Denison High School, Pam graduated from the University of Southeastern Oklahoma with a degree in Business Management. This led to the bright lights of Dallas and an interest in writing. She subsequently earned a degree in journalism from UT Arlington. Pam embarked upon a rewarding career that included freelance writing, reporting for DFW Suburban News, and becoming an online editor for The Dallas Morning News. This sparked an interest in technology that would serve her in later years.

Pam was known for living life to the fullest and pursuing her passions. She spent some years training for marathons, fashion modeling, and maintaining a vibrant social life. It was during these years that she met the love of her life, Tom Hurley. For more than 20 years, they spent their lives together in a beautiful partnership.

Anyone who ever talked to Pam for more than a minute or two would quickly learn of her passion for animals. She spent many years as a pet sitter and volunteered for pet rescue organizations as well. Pam’s passion was the care of feral cats, and she treated them as kindly as she would her own children.

In later years, Pam embarked upon a career change. In 2006, she completed the Texas Teaching Fellows alternative certification program in special education. From there, she held positions in Richardson ISD, Coppell ISD, and Highland Park ISD, impacting the lives of countless students in the process. Pam lived and breathed her life as an educator, restlessly searching for the best outcomes for each individual student. She finally blossomed as an educator when her true purpose as a technology education teacher was realized at The Winston School. Day and night, Pam talked about “her kids” and loved her colleague friends as if they were family. She was honored by the school community multiple times for her tireless efforts on behalf of her students.

As Pam found her time with us beginning to wane, she was able to find peace in her relationship with Christ. She and Tom repeatedly expressed gratitude for all who supported them and prayed for them in Pam’s last, difficult days. A memorial service will take place at June 3, 2017 at New Heights Baptist Church, 340 Hooper Road in Wylie, Texas, beginning at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Winston School's "Take a Seat" Campaign.