James Leroy Hurley

August 6, 1945 - February 14, 2022

Hurley, James L. age 76, of Scottsdale, AZ and Minnetonka, MN, passed away February 14, 2022. Survived by his loving wife of 21 years, Alison; children, Jeffrey Jones (Germaine), James Hurley Jr. (April), Daina Coons, Timothy Hurley; grandchildren, Chris, Jenna, Jordan, Zachary, Makayla, Adonis, Elliana, Melody; great-grandchildren, Maverick, Cavanaugh, and Ambrose; sister, Billy Hurley Dimry (John); brother- in-law John Smith; sister-in-law Rena Hurley. Preceded in death by parents, Noah, and Marguerite Hurley; sisters, Beverly Coleman, and Nona Smith; brother, Noah Hurley, Jr. Well-known as a trail blazer, Jim and his school mates were the first to integrate into Bourbon County High School. He went onto Transylvania University excelling academically and athletically. Jim was the first recruited African American basketball player to significantly contribute to the team. A fierce competitor, Jim played all three positions, setting numerous records for his school. Jim was awarded the team's MVP three years in a row, voted to the Final Four all-tournament team, and selected as an All American. His number was retired after his senior year in 1969. He was selected Transylvania's Mr. Pioneer in 1969 by his peers, the college's highest social honor. Upon graduation in 1969, Jim was drafted to the NBA Cincinnati Royals as a Point Guard which today is known as the Sacramento Kings. He chose to forgo this opportunity to pursue a career with Procter and Gamble (P&G). His career with P&G began in Cincinnati and included several relocations to various states during his 33-year career. In 2003, he retired in Arizona as Vice President of Customer Business Development. Jim received numerous awards during his P&G career, most notably a lifetime achievement award in recognition of the tremendous impact he had on people. He was a champion of diversity resulting in recognition from many of P&G's affinity groups to include the Strategic Black Leadership and the Asian Pacific American group for a career of dedication, courage, and leadership. Retirement, however, did not slow him down. Still active in the community, Jim worked with several Boards, including as a Transylvania University Trustee, Inroads, KIPP Minnesota and other organizations. His biggest legacy was connecting with people and helping them to grow. Jim loved his family and was considered by many as the Patriarch of the Hurley family. Additionally, he loved and was loved by his in-laws, the Smith family. He cherished his time with his in-laws and the opportunities to impact his nieces and nephews' lives. His devotion to family led to nearly 50 years of Hurley- Hayes reunions and family gatherings spanning 19 different locations. Jim and his wife, Alison, loved to go on road trips to visit family and attend family functions. As many of his family know, golf was one of his favorite sporting past- times. Having picked up the sport later in life, he excelled rather quickly and enjoyed golfing with his friends and family. His love for sports and support of family greatly impacted the family's participation in various activities at all levels. Simply put Jim was a remarkable human being who will be truly missed. Visitation will be held at Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel, West 50th St. and Vernon Ave at Hwy 100, Edina on Friday March 4th from 4-7pm. Funeral Service Saturday March 5th at 11:00am with visitation beginning at 10:00am also at the funeral chapel. To attend the funeral virtually please go to view.oneroomstreaming.com/... Memorials preferred to: St Paul United Methodist Church, 1117 High St, Paris, KY 40361 or KIPP Minnesota Public Schools. washburn-mcreavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996