It is with heavy hearts that Blood-Horse Publications reports the sudden death Aug. 11 of sales director Jim Hurst Jr.
Hurst, 51, worked for The Blood-Horse for a total of 23 years, handling many of the publication’s key accounts throughout his tenure. He began at the company in 1983 as an advertising sales representative in charge of accounts in Kentucky, Virginia, and Florida. In 1987, Hurst left the company for several years to pursue other opportunities, including one as the sales manager for Park Hotel in Boca Raton, Fla. He returned to The Blood-Horse staff in 1992 and took over the West Coast territory along with select accounts in Kentucky.
In February, Hurst was promoted to sales director and focused his energies on improving direct communication with clients and providing total marketing solutions. His close relationship with clients and the feedback he received through them was instrumental in shaping the company’s products, services, and programs.
Born Sept. 17, 1959, in Saint Clares Shores, Mich., Hurst was the son of James W. Hurst Sr. of Danville, Ky., and Paulette Brown Wright, of Lexington. He attended the University of Kentucky and was a member of Southland Christian Church. Survivors include his wife, Jennifer Reese Hurst, and two daughters, Madison Hurst and Mollie Hurst, both of Lexington; step-mother Judy Hurst; siblings, Mitzi (Chris) Brown, Liberty, Mo., Michael (Anne) Hurst, Atlanta, Ga., Jamey (Craig) Rogers, Lexington; Fred (Susan) Wright, Jr. and several nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his step-father, Fred Wright, Sr.
Visitation will be held 5-8 p.m., Monday, Aug. 15, at Kerr Brothers Funeral Home, 3421 Harrodsburg Road, Lexington. The funeral service has been scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Aug. 16 at Kerr Brothers with the burial at Blue Grass Memorial Gardens, 4915 Harrodsburg Road, Nicholasville, Ky., following the service.
Memorial contributions for the children’s education fund can be made to:
Hurst Memorial Fund
Central Bank
3700 Palomar Centre Dr
Lexington, KY 40513
(or any Central Bank Location)
