James Hurst Obituary

James Howard Hurst

Oct 31, 1936 - Dec 10, 2025

Sandusky

James Howard Hurst, 89, passed away peacefully at Stein Hospice Care Center on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, following a brief illness and was surrounded by loved ones.

Jim was born October 31, 1936, in Sandusky, to Martha Julia (Murnane) and Howard Hurst. As an only child, he developed a mind that never stopped working. His desire to learn stayed with him throughout his whole life. Jim was a 1954 graduate of St. Mary's High School. In 1955, he began what would become a distinguished 36-year career with NACA/NASA. Starting as an apprentice Propulsion Mechanic, Jim rose through the ranks to serve as Branch Chief at NASA Lewis Research in Cleveland before retiring in 1992. Seventeen of those years were spent at the NASA Plum Brook Station in Sandusky. Following his retirement, he remained busy and active, always keeping his family wondering what he was up to.

Jim was a family man of deep faith, wide-ranging interests, and boundless wonder. His curiosity reached backward as much as it did forward-his passion for ancestry and genealogy was evident in the stacks of bound bi-fold paper with lengthy family trees printed from his beloved dot-matrix printer. As a lifelong learner, that same curiosity that drew him deep into the past also kept him eagerly exploring the newest tools of the present. Before ring cameras, he created his own motion-censored camera to catch pesky teens from stealing beers from his garage fridge. From Atari to Nintendo to Sega, Jim stayed relevant and ahead of his time. It was the blasted iPhone that gave him the most grief in the end.

He also pursued other hobbies: breeding basset hounds, archery, hunting, and boating on his beloved Lyman boats. His boathouse-affectionately referred to as "the other woman"-was a cherished retreat where he enjoyed perch fishing and time by the water. He was a skilled photographer who developed his own photographs in a darkroom he built himself. The darkroom was conveniently located next to his wine-making station, another of his prominent passions. There was wine, and then there was "Poppie" wine. If you know, you know.

His commitment to community and service was evident through his lifelong membership at Holy Angels Catholic Church and active participation in numerous organizations. Jim volunteered with Serving Our Seniors. He was a life member of Loyal Order of Moose. He held memberships with NARFE (National Active and Retired Federal Employees), Knights of Columbus, Sons of AMVETS, Sons of the American Legion, and VFW. He was a charter captain and a member of Power Squadron. Overall, Jim was a quiet giver who believed blessings should be shared rather than displayed.

Jim's family was central to his life. He is survived by his daughter, Deborah (Edward) Cullen; son, James M. (Brenda) Hurst; grandchildren, Joshua (Kim) Cullen, Jenna (Andrew) Mulry, Jared (Emily) Cullen, and Sydney (Cameron) Crum; great-grandchildren, Finley and Murphy Cullen, Lydia Belden, Lennix and Cullen Mulry, Cambell, Colbie and Crosby Cullen; stepsister, Linda Boos; sister-in-law, Nancy Fritz; as well as many nieces and nephews who held him dear.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Martha Julia (Murnane) Hurst; father and stepmother, Howard Harry and Betty Hurst; his first wife, Sandra A. (Fritz) Hurst with whom he shared 43 years until her passing in 1999; his second wife, Shelby J. (Caudill) Hurst of 12 years together, whom he dutifully cared for prior to her passing in 2020; infant children, David Michael Hurst and Susan Ann Hurst; and great-granddaughter, Sylvia Drew Mulry; brothers-in-law, Joe (Joan) Fritz, Lowell (Diane) Fritz, Ben Fritz and Robert Boos; and close cousin, Carol (Cutcher) Kessler.

Family and friends are invited to gather and celebrate Jim's life from 4-7 p.m. Monday, December 15, 2025, at Ransom Funeral & Cremation Service, 610 S. Washington St., Castalia.

A Mass of Christian burial will begin at 10 a.m. Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at Holy Angels Catholic Church, 1605 W. Jefferson St., Sandusky. Burial will be at Castalia Cemetery.

Jim will be dearly missed, lovingly remembered and forever celebrated by those fortunate enough to have been part of his well-lived story.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to contribute to Jim's memory may do so to Holy Angels Catholic Church or Firelands Positive People, P.O. Box 526, Huron, OH 44839.

Online condolences may be shared with family by visiting www.ransomfuneralhome.com

Jim's family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff and community at Commons of Providence, as well as Sam and Rose Stein Hospice Care Center.