James Robert Hurst

James (Jim) Robert Hurst, 88, of Litchfield Park, AZ, passed away March 7, 2024. He was born in Chicago, Illinois on August 14, 1935. Jim graduated from Union High Michigan and received his Master’s in Engineering from Grand Canyon College.

He was married to Lovina Petrovich on September 8, 1956. Jim had a career in Aerospace Engineering for Sperry Rand and Honeywell. He was a member of Westside Church of God, and had a passion for Ham Radio, fishing, boating and working with his hands in electronics, wood and metals.

While in his 4 years of service, as an Airman 2/C, he was stationed at Hurlbert Field where he repaired radios on fighter planes. Jim carried many nicknames: JimBoy, Hirschy and Hershey. His call name on the CB Radio: Crab Hunter, and on Ham Radio: Papa Tango Charly (at which he reached all Countries and won multiple awards in doing so). His parents, Stanley and Louisa Hurst, were Vaudeville Performers on roller skates and met many famous people in Hollywood.

Jim is survived by his children: James Robert Hurst Jr., Robbin Gladhart, and Rhonda Black, his Grandchildren: Ryan Reinhold, Brittany Adams, Andrew Black, Jessica Gladhart and Alyssa Gladhart, and his Great-Grandchildren: Leif Reinhold and Hazel Adams. A Celebration of Life will be held at Westside Church of God on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 1:30 pm and a dinner to follow.