Tribute to Past National President, James Charles Hurst

On May 3, 2020, our dear friend and former National President James Hurst died. His obituary was published on May 7, 2020 in the Deseret News. Jim, as he was fondly known, will be greatly missed by his family and friends. During his tenure on the Executive Committee he gave great council to the Pioneer Magazine Committee. I will always be grateful for his contributions which had a positive effect on the direction and content of the magazine. He made suggestions as to topics which would be meaningful and suggested individuals who would be willing to author the subjects. His positive nature was always uplifting and valuable. If there was a problem, he was always a part of the solution. His years in education and in administration were evident as he carried out his assignments, both in the Church and the Sons of Utah Pioneers. All of his service in his profession and society could not have happened with out the love of his wife, Joan. She has been at his side in all that he has done.

Jim was a true friend. I am reminded of The Spoken Word, The Secret of True Friendship, when I think of Jim

What does it mean to have a genuine friend? We may have many acquaintances, and we can be friendly to all of them, but true friendship is more than that. It requires more from us, and it gives us more in return.
A Greek legend tells of two young men, Damon and Pythias, who exemplified true friendship. Pythias was unjustly accused of plotting against the king and was sentenced to die. He pleaded for a few days’ freedom so he could arrange care for his family across the sea, promising to return before the day of his execution.

Suspicious that Pythias was merely trying to escape his punishment, the king said he would allow Pythias to go only if he provided a substitute, someone who would be put to death if Pythias didn’t return in time. Damon agreed to stand in his friend’s place.

Sure enough, days went by and Pythias didn’t come back. The day of the execution arrived, and Damon was marched to the palace. Just then, a man was seen racing desperately through the crowd. It was Pythias, who fell into the embrace of his beloved friend. Exhausted, he explained that pirates had captured his ship and thrown him overboard. Terrified that this would mean Damon would die in his place, Pythias swam to shore and arrived just in time.

The king was so astonished by this amazing display of devotion that he freed them both — and begged to be the third member of that friendship.

In the Gospel of John, we read, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). Friendships like that don’t just happen. They are carefully built over a lifetime — as we sacrifice our own interests, as we offer love with no strings attached, as we reach out during the hard times, as we remain loyal when it seems the rest of the world has turned away.

To have a friend like Damon and Pythias is among life’s greatest treasures. And the first step to having a friend like that is becoming a friend like that.1

I found Jim to be that kind of friend
William W. Tanner, Publisher
PIONEER Magazine

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1 - Spoken Word, January 25, 2020