James Michael Hurley passed away after a short illness with cancer. He was 64 years old. Jim was a lifelong resident of Peabody, with the exception of living in Boston during his years attending Boston College. Jim was born in Chelsea, MA. He attended the Peabody Schools and graduated from Peabody Veterans Memorial High School class of 1977. He also graduated from Boston College as double major AB, Arts & Science, Political Science, and English. Jim graduated with an honor distinction of Cum Laude. His career plan was to be an Attorney.

Around 1.5 years before graduating, Jim started experiencing health issues and it was initially unclear as to what the problem was. He was later diagnosed with a schizoaffective disorder, which made it difficult for him to achieve his career aspirations. Despite this, Jim remained determined and independent for many years, with the help of his family and community programs.

For the last seven years of his life, Jim's sister Kathleen was his primary caretaker, and he received support from his family and the community programs he was involved with. Jim's love for his community was evident through his volunteering at Citizen's Inn Haven from Hunger program, St. Ann's Church, and the Church's Annual Bazaar. He was even selected as 1 of 2 Volunteers of the year by Citizen's Inn in March 2021, for his outstanding contributions. During the Christmas season, he enjoyed visiting his family in the Washington D. C. area and spending Christmas and New Year's with them. They also always cherished spending the holidays with him.

Jim's hobbies included reading, he had a very curious mind, and he enjoyed reading the Encyclopedia Britannica during his childhood in his spare time. He also played in the local baseball league in his childhood. He particularly enjoyed reading political and current events magazines and books in his adult years. He also enjoyed reading classical literature books. Jim enjoyed walking around his hometown of Peabody. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and friends having a nice meal together.

Jim was a wonderful son, brother, uncle, cousin, volunteer, friend, and neighbor. He was an absolute gentleman, and he was very protective of the people he loved. Jim's family all were involved in helping him to live his best life. He brought a lot of joy into their lives, and he will forever be missed.

His family is grateful to Haven from Hunger for providing the volunteer opportunity that he looked forward to working with and to all of his good relatives, friends, and neighbors.

Jim is survived by his two sisters, Erin Marshall (Rtd. Lt. Col Thomas Marshall) of Triangle, VA, and Jean Zack (William Zack) of Fairfax, VA, and Naples Fl. His 4 brothers: Ryan Hurley (Eric Brush) of Oahu, HI, Sean Hurley (Joan Hurley) of Monroe Ct., Patrick Hurley of Peabody, MA., Brian Hurley (Carla Hurley) of Canton, MA. He is also survived by nieces Lauren and Kaitlin and nephew John Hurley.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Delia Hurley. His brothers, Eugene and Michael Hurley and his sister, Kathleen Hurley. Also, by many Uncles and Aunts.

The family request that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to:

www.namimass.org

NAMI of Massachusetts, National Alliance on Mental Health,

or:

www.citizensinn.org

Citizens Inn, 978-531-9775

His funeral will be held on Friday, May 12, at 9:00 AM at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St, Peabody, followed by his Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM at St. John's the Baptist Church, Peabody to which relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, May 11, from 4:00 - 7:00 PM. Burial will be in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody, MA.

This is a joint service for James Michael Hurley and Kathleen Ann Hurley.