James William Hurst

James William Hurst, age 92,of Las Cruces, NM, passed away on October 11, 2024. Son of George William and Isabelle (Gordon) Hurst. Survived by wife Annabelle (Schroedel), daughter Paula Hurst of Greer, SC, son Jonathan (Beth) Hurst of Jacksonville, IL, grandson Christian M. Ronne of Chicago, IL, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Educated Ravenswood Grade School and Amundsen High School in Chicago; he was a graduate of Southern Illinois University [’56; ‘60] and Northern Illinois University [‘72]. History teacher for thirty-five years: four at Hurst-Bush C.H.S., Hurst, IL; three at Joliet T.H.S., and twenty-eight at Joliet Junior College.

U.S. Navy veteran (Korean War), member of the American Legion, Life Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the National Association of Destroyer Veterans (Tin Can Sailors), Shipmate U.S. Navy Memorial, Benefactor Life Member of the National Rifle Association, and past President USS Corry (DD 817) Association. Member of Theta XI national social fraternity and Phi Delta Kappa national honorary education fraternity.

He was the author of two books, “The Villista Prisoners of 1916 – 1917”, published in 2000; and “Pancho Villa and Black Jack Pershing – The Punitive Expedition in Mexico”, published in 2007.

Family will receive friends Thursday, May 1, 2025 from 9:30AM to 10:30AM. A Memorial Service will follow at 10:30AM followed by burial at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, IL