James Walter "Jim" Hurst

SMITHFIELD - James "Jim" Walter Hurst, 71, of Smithfield, died May 7, 2005. He was a native of Portsmouth, Va. Mr. Hurst was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School where he played clarinet in the band. He retired after 38 years as a Field Engineering Representative for the Unisys Corporation. He attended Smithfield Baptist Church. Mr. Hurst has been involved with Smithfield's Little Theatre since 1971. During his time there he served in all aspects, particularly as a producer, director, and actor. He was the driving force and very instrumental in making the new theatre a reality. Mr. Hurst also volunteered for other programs like the Nansemond Suffolk Rescue Squad where he organized the underwater recovery team and was trained in 1961 by the U.S. Army Dive Section at Ft. Eustis; the Civil Defense in Newport News serving as dive-master and developing an underwater team of 25 men; and the American Red Cross where he instructed First Aid. Mr. Hurst spent four years active duty with the VA National Guard and then spent 30 years in the U.S. Air Force Aux. Civil Air Patrol where the highest rank he received was Captain. Mr. Hurst had a lifelong interest in aviation. He had his private pilots license since 1971. He was the son of the late Dora and William Hurst. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, June West Hurst of Smithfield, Va.; daughters and sons-in-law, Sherrie H. and Fred E. Pifer III of Covington, Va., Debbie N. and George W. Summerson of Richmond, Va., and Donna J. Nelms of Smithfield, Va.; sons and daughter-in-law, Joseph E. Nelms III of Smithfield, Va., and Bryan K. Nelms and Sobeida Henriquez-Nelms of Newport News, Va.; grandchildren, Jordan N. Pifer, Catherine F. Summerson, Sally G. Summerson, Joseph E. Nelms IV, Charles F. Nelms, Maria B. Nelms, Raymond F. Nelms, Kevin F. Nelms and Josue F. Nelms; one sister and numerous nieces and nephews. Friends may join the family Tuesday night at Smithfield's Little Theatre from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and other times at the residence. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 11, in St. Luke's Memorial Park by the Rev. Don Rhoton. Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, Isle of Wight Chapter, c/o Lois R. Little, P.O. Box 659, Smithfield, VA 23431, or Smithfield's Little Theatre, P.O. Box 332, Smithfield, VA 23431. Parr Funeral Home, Suffolk, Va., is serving the family.