James Hurley Obituary

Jim was a life long friend and schoolmate of my Father Ed Kaszynski. I only got to know Jim recently because of my Father's failing health. Jim was the best man at my parents wedding and is the Godfather to Steve Kaszynski my older brother.
My father was truly blessed to have had such a great friend throughout his life. On behalf of Ed and our family our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jim made a positive impact not only on his students, but also on his faculty and administrative colleagues at Triton. His creativity was an inspiration to others.

I knew Jim very well although many years ago. Great guy, great sense of humor. I will never forget his voice.
He telephoned me in the office and had made arrangements for the two of us to have a private audience with Richard Burton.

I was very saddened to open the Sun-Times other day to see the passing of Mr. James Hurley; but at the same time it brought many memories streaming back to me. I was in Mr. Hurley's Public Speaking 101 class my first year at Triton College back in 1971 and he basically instilled in me the confidence to speak in class; something I could never do in 4 years of high school. He also paid me one of the highest compliments I have ever received from a teacher after one of my speeches to the class. Mr. Hurley is without a doubt one of my two favorite teachers of all time and if I would have had more like him that instilled so much confidence and caring in his students, I might have become a professor myself. It says alot about a person that after almost 40 years I still realize what a big influence he was to me; there are very few teachers I had in college whose name I can even remember. My deepest regrets to the family of Mr. Hurley on the loss of such a warm and wonderful person.

Our prayers are with the Hurley family on the death of Mr. Hurley. In the 1970s, I was in several plays that Mr. Hurley directed at Triton College. We learned much from him. He always said "There are no small roles, only small actors."
God bless you, Mr. Hurley.

Tony & Paulette Davies

What a beautifully written obituary. Jim was a man of many talents and accomplishments, remembered fondly and respected by his students. We send prayers and hugs to our friends - his wife, Pat, step daughter, Laura, stepson Brian, and Bill Temple. Cathleen, this is a very sad day for you and your family. Wishing you God's presence and understanding.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Jim Hurley taught me Speech 101 at Loyola University in 1964. My mouth has never stopped since. Neither has my fondness and respect for him. Of all my professors in undergraduate school, graduate school and law school, he ranks as number 1 among those who had a significant impact upon my life. His kindness, charm, sincerity and academic brilliance not only made him a gentleman but also a GENTLE man. He is the only professor to whom I turned to seek help in later years when I asked him if he could teach, in an abbreviated seminar, the art of public speaking to the then command staff of the Chicago Police Department. As expected, he taught them and charmed them at the same time. Those of us who knew him and experienced his contributions to life in this world are blessed. In many ways he was a hero to many people. I am sure that he has already taken it upon himself to refine St. Peter's "Speech to Welcome."

Richard J. Brzeczek
Superintendent of Police (1980-83)

As a college student in the 1970's, we acted in the first play Mr. Hurley directed at Triton College, and in many other of his productions, including his last one there, the autobiographical Westside Irish, where Milton played the part of Mr. Hurley. Working and talking with him was always a pleasure. We will always remember him fondly, with love and respect.--Milton and Myron Jenkins

Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Cis & Family