James J. Hurley 1925 - 2008 MANCHESTER, VT. - James Joseph Hurley, 82, of died Saturday, Feb. 23, 2008 from complications due to Parkinson's disease. Born April 13, 1925 in Yorkville, N.Y., a section of Manhattan, son of James Timothy and Agnes Kelly Hurley, both of whom immigrated to the United States from Ireland, Jim graduated from St. Vincent Ferrer School and the High School of Commerce. In 1942, he enlisted in the Merchant Marine and served on nine different ships in all theaters of World War II. While assigned to the liberty ship, Benjamin H. Hill, Jim was part of the Murmansk Run to northern Russia, which is considered by many historians to be the most dangerous supply assignment during the entire war. Before leaving the Merchant Marine, he completed officer training school and became a Third Officer. At the end of the war, he enrolled at New York University, where he earned a Bachelor's degree. After graduation he became a sales associate for the Charles Bruning Company, servicing accounts in Manhattan; he later became a branch manager for the firm. When the Bruning Co. was sold, Jim moved to Connecticut and for ten years managed two sales offices for AB Dick. In the early 80's, he became an entrepreneur when he purchased an office supply store in Bennington. At that time he moved to Manchester where he resided until his death. A long time member of the Dorset Field Club Jim enjoyed golf and was an avid tennis player. He started coming to Vermont in the early 50's to ski, and developed a passion for the state. In addition, Jim was a World War II historian, an old movie buff and loved to engage good friends in conversation. He leaves his wife, Marjorie Salembier Hurley, of Manchester; his brother, Francis Hurley of Brentwood, N.Y.; six stepchildren, 14 step-grandchildren and four step-great-grandchildren. FUNERAL NOTICE: A memorial service will be held Thursday, March 6, 2008 at 11 a.m.at the Zion Episcopal Church in Manchester. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jim's memory may be made to the Mark Skinner Library c/o BREWSTER FUNERAL SERVICE, P.O. Box 885, Manchester, VT 05255. To send personal e-mail condolences to the family please visit www.sheafuneralhomes.com.]]>