James 'Jim' Mitchell Hurst

On October 31, 2022, at 12:17 a.m., James 'Jim' Mitchell Hurst, age 73, of Logansport, Indiana, took his final breath peacefully in the arms of his wife, three daughters and several granddaughters.

Raised in rural Macy, Indiana, Jim was born on January 5, 1949, to Bernard and Leora (Bowen) Hurst, in Rochester, Indiana, and quickly learned the value of hard work farming with his dad and three brothers. 

A 1967 graduate of North Miami High School, Jim was a jack of all trades, successfully operating Hurst Construction Company for nearly 40 years. Jim could envision turning any project into something beautiful, seeing a potential palace from a hole-in-the-wall. He built a beautiful home for he and his wife – a place where all their kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids could feel at home and gather together during holidays.  There was nothing he couldn’t fix, repair, rig or duct tape together.

Forever a farmer and contractor, Jim loved being outside, and was most content walking the woods, feeding the deer, squirrels, and birds, and tinkering with projects to keep busy.  Jim was a life-long Purdue fan who enjoyed talk radio and classic country music. 

Jim was married in Logansport on February 20, 2000, to Karen (Rozzi) Hurst, who survives. The two of them enjoyed the simple things in life, finding joy and laughter in life’s most mundane moments.

A veteran of the United States Army, Jim was also a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.  He was known to be playful and funny, never taking life too seriously. Jim was fun-loving, but he was also selfless and compassionate.  He was fiercely loyal to those he cared for, and if someone was in need, he helped – no questions asked and no recognition necessary. He touched so many lives and was committed to those he helped, regardless of their situation. 

In addition to his wife, Karen, Jim is survived by his children, Don (Theresa) Hurst, Kristi (Jeremy) VanSoest, Bruce Mills, Bryan (Tim Specht) Bain, Jennifer (Chris) Corcoran, Kristin Sturdivant; brothers, John (Carol) Hurst, Steve (Vivianna) Hurst and David (Lorie) Hurst.

Also surviving are grandchildren, Hannah (Craig) Arnett, Joelle Hurst, Justine Hurst, Henry Hurst, Anabel Hurst, Donna Jean Hurst, Adrianna Hurst, Abe Hurst, Mariam Hurst, Thomas Hurst, Timothy Hurst, Ainslee VanSoest, Anniston VanSoest, Keaton Mills, Bryce Mills, Max Mills, Elliot Bain, Alexandria (Rory Nelson) Corcoran, Natasha Corcoran, Olivia Corcoran, Izabella Corcoran, Ryleigh Clem, August Hendricks and Josephine Hendricks.

Also, great grandchildren surviving, Oliver Arnett, Aiden Arnett, Elena Nelson, Isaac Nelson; sisters-in-law: Beth Ann (Mark) Davis, Diane (Greg) Binney, Vicky Rozzi; brother-in-law: Joseph (Jean) Rozzi; several nephews, great-nephews, nieces and great nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Leora (Bowen) Hurst; grandson, Paul David Hurst; parents-in-law, Joseph and LouAnn (Bunger) Rozzi; and brother-in-law, Mark Rozzi.

Visitation for friends and family will be held at Kroeger Funeral Home on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 

Funeral services will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 9, 2022, with Pastor Tim McKaig officiating. 

Visitation, an hour prior to funeral services, will be from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, also at the funeral home.

Interment will follow immediately at Mount Hope Cemetery. 

A special thank you for the warmth and comfort provided to Jim and his family by Guardian Angel Hospice. The family would also like to acknowledge the many expressions of love, concern, and kindness, as well as those who spent time with Jim during his final weeks, surrounding him with comfort and love.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in Jim’s name to act.alz.org  

Family and friends may leave a memory or message of condolence at www.kroegerfuneralhome.com.

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