James R. Hurst, a resident of Opelika for over 50 years, passed away June 20, 2012. James was born in Chambers County, Alabama, on August 15, 1931. He served in the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Naval Reserve. He lived an accomplished life, receiving B.S. and M.S. degrees from Auburn University in Agricultural Economics, and a Juris Doctorate from Jones Law Institute in Montgomery. His career spanned both the private Agricultural Industry and over two decades of serving as an Agricultural Economist at Auburn University. "Pops", as he was affectionately known to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, considered his family as his greatest achievement. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Peggy Bibby Hurst; two children, James B. Hurst (Corinne) of Opelika, and Susan H. Thiele, of Atlanta; two grandchildren, James B. Hurst, Jr. of New York, and Ashley Hurst Underwood (Phillip), of Opelika; two great grandchildren, Phillip M. Underwood, III (Tripp) and Turner H. Underwood, of Opelika. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Lon Hurst and Louise Pilkington Hurst, his brother, Jack Wayne Hurst, and his son-in-law, Hans W. Thiele. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to BigHouse Foundation , P. O. Box 230, Opelika, Al 36803-0230, www.ourbighouse.org.