Jeffrey Jack Hurst, age 58, of Poland, was born May 1, 1966, in Greencastle, Indiana to Jack “Jackson” Earl Hurst and Bethanne Neal. He passed peacefully from this life at home on August 30, 2024.

Jeff spent a lot of time in bowling alleys growing up, touring around with his parents and little brother, Jamie, as his dad pursued his career as a professional bowler. Jeff’s love of music began at Holland Woods Middle School where he sang solo in the choir (Michael Jackson’s “Ben”) and played the violin. He later picked up the guitar and loved playing Randy Rhodes “Crazy Train”. He attended Clare High School in Michigan where he played football and was a member of the Future Farmers of America. Indeed, he was a “Big Man on Campus” during his high school career. 

Jeff was a great patriot and loved his country. He served in both the United States Navy and the Army National Guard. While in the Navy, he was an accomplished weapons system technician on the P3 Orion anti-submarine warfare aircraft. He was an instructor at the Navy’s electronics technician school in Millington, Tennessee. After 9/11, Jeff felt a duty to return to military service, so he joined the Army National Guard. He attended Officer Candidate School at Fort McClellan, Alabama and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant. He served a tour of duty in Iraq as a platoon leader, providing convoy security. He received a Bronze Star and other awards for his service. He retired like Hawkeye, a Captain.

While in the Navy, Jeff attended Embry Riddle University and ultimately earned a bachelor’s degree. After his military service, he went back to school and earned a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling. He specialized in addiction recovery and touched many lives through his empathetic and compassionate service.

Jeff retired from mental health counseling in August 2023 and was excited to jump back into his woodworking and other projects around the property.

Jeff is survived by his loving wife, Heather Ann (Heywood) Hurst, his dad, Jack, his brother, James “Jamie” Earl Hurst, his son, Jeff “Lil’ J” (Brianna Madden) Hurst, Jr. and his grandson, Henry Owen Hurst. He was loved in this life by numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews and a pack of animals, of which he was the alpha.

We will celebrate Jeff’s life on September 14, 2024, at 1:00 pm at the West & Parrish & Pedigo Funeral Home in Spencer with Bishop Jared Allsop officiating.

Memorial Visitation will be at the funeral home from 11:00 am until the time of the service on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Heroic Hearts Project: Donate – Heroic Hearts Project. Please be sure to click the box next to 'Dedicate my donation in honor or in memory of someone' and donate in memory of Jeff.

Online condolences may be share with Jeff’s family at www.westparrishpedigo.com