James Ray Hursh was born December 28, 1937 to Clark and Jennie Hursh of Ava, Missouri. He was the youngest of 4 boys. He graduated from Rich Hill High School and worked at Tracey’s Body Shop before joining the military. He was in the US Air Force from 1957-1960. He was a true patriot and proud to serve his country. On a Greyhound bus in October 1960, he met the love of his life, Sandra Terrell. They were engaged by Christmas and married February 12, 1961. In March 1962, they had their one and only child, James Jeffrey Hursh.

Jim was a mechanic/supervisor at Quality Manufacturing in Eastaboga for 14 years. Then he worked at UPS in Anniston as a mechanic for 26 years before finally retiring in 2002. He loved farming and the land at Grandview Ranch. He always had a herd of cattle to keep him busy and various other animals along the way – pigs, goats, chickens, horses, a donkey, pony and numerous cats and dogs and yes, even guineas!

He is preceded in death by his parents, Clark and Jennie Hursh and brothers, Leland and Tommy. He is survived by his wife, Sandra; son, Jim (Liz); grandchildren, Lydia Dennis (Tim) and Terrell Hursh (Karla); great grandchildren Bee and Colton Dennis; brother, Floyd Hursh; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Mr. Hursh will be held at Usrey Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, with Bro. Gary Stewart officiating. Interment will be in Coosa Valley Baptist cemetery.

The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service.

Condolences may be offered online at www.usreyfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of his favorite charities:

Commemorative Air Force via www.commemorativeairforce.org

St. Judes Hospital for Children via www.stjude.org

St. Labre Indian School via www.give.stlabre.org