James Hurst

James Walter “Red” Hurst, 85 year-old life long Seminole County resident passed from this life Tuesday, March 22, 2011 in Norman, Oklahoma.  He was born April 10, 1925 in “Carr City” south west of Seminole, Oklahoma to parents Ethel Grace (Byers) Hurst and John Charles Hurst. Following graduation from Carr City High School in 1944 James enlisted in the United States Navy where he served in the Pacific.  He later worked for City Service Oil Company and then for the Seminole Post Office where he was a postal carrier.  After retiring from the United States Postal Service he worked as a cattle rancher and was often seen helping his wife in her floral shop, “Jean’s Flowers and Gifts” in Maud, Oklahoma.  He was a member of the American Legion and more recently enjoyed square dancing with the Square Dance Club in Holdenville, Oklahoma. He and Norma Jean Brackin were married on August 12, 1949 in Bowlegs, Oklahoma.  She preceded him in death on August 16, 2005. James is survived by three daughters and sons-in-law, Jamie and J.R. Cupp of Seminole, Oklahoma, Gracie and Jerry Guinn of Monkey Island, Oklahoma and Reta Jean Hurst of Maud, Oklahoma; two sisters, Pearl Bayne of Mississippi and Jo Osborn of Seminole, Oklahoma; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; a special companion, Eline Thompson of Holdenville, Oklahoma; a special nephew, Russell “Hoppy” Laxson of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and a host of other family and dear friends. James is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Jean Hurst; one brother, J.C. Hurst and by one sister, Ruby Moore. Graveside services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m., Friday, March 25, 2011 at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens in Seminole, Oklahoma.  Rev. Carl Whitfield will officiate the service. Services are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole, Oklahoma. Funeral Information: March 25, 2011, 10:30 AM Graveside Service at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens located at Hwy 270, Seminole, OK 74868