SALISBURY — Numerous tributes to former Salisbury Post Publisher Jim Hurley, who died Monday, have come into reporters and editors through the Post website, emails and social networks.
Here are some examples of what people are saying:
Lida Inge Wylie Jones, Converse College: “I am so sorry for the loss of your friend and the loss for the community!
Steve Gribble: My wife and I went to see him about a month ago. There was no kinder or caring man in this world! He meant so much to me and my family!
Barbara Broadbent Sorel: Huge loss for Salisbury.
Al Cranpol: Jim Hurley’s watch marked the high-water mark of the Salisbury Post. He will be missed.
David Post: Jimmy, and his wife Gerry, changed Salisbury and gave as much back to the city as anyone. He also changed my life personally through his constant support of my mother (Rose Post) and my family’s business (Zimmerman’s). His mark is on all corners of Salisbury including the parks, Catawba College, the YMCA, the Hurley Foundation, so many local agencies serving those in need. And, of course, he hired and encouraged excellence from so many terrific editors and writers that made the Salisbury Post one of the most respected small city newspapers in the nation.
If Salisbury’s name were ever to be changed, “Hurley” would be at the top of the list. His was life well lived, one that gave more than it received. (He also hit a golf shot on No. 9 at the club that was probably the most incredible shot ever on that hole!) We will miss him dearly. Love and prayers to you, Gerry. A city prays for you.
Neil Holthouser, former Post reporter: Sharing your sadness today with the news of Jim Hurley’s passing. I recall, as an intern, Jimmy called me down to his office and handed me a copy of “The Richest Man in Babylon.” Sure wish I’d paid more attention and heeded his advice!
Cris Dandison Brincefield: I did not know him at all but was touched in many ways by his kindness and generosity; what a legacy he leaves behind! Many thanks to his family.
Jackie Harris: Amen, Chris! He was a wonderful man and very generous. We all will miss him.
Mary Blanton: I used to love seeing him and Gerry walking in Hurley Park in the spring so I could say a personal thanks to them for that beautiful gift to all of us… I am sure there were many ways they touched others that remain unknown to most of us.
Penny Bost: What a wonderful man Jim is. He has done so many things not just for me but the whole town of Salisbury. He gave my son a football that meant a lot to him because my son was telling him he just started football for the first time and he loved it. I’ll never forget the day he took my two younger children out on the golf course for a ride on his golf cart with no shoes on and in his pajamas. The kids were laughing, and Gerry was telling him he had better be careful.
Robin Shue: Jimmy Hurley was a wonderful man. He so loved bringing ice cream to the children at the battered women’s shelter. He and Gerry have long been supporters of the agency and were always there when anything was needed. God bless you, Jimmy, and my love and prayers are with you, Gerry.
Kathryn Dunn: There would be no safe place for victims of domestic violence were it not for his generosity. Thank you.
Jeff Morris: Mr. Hurley really knew how to run a top quality newspaper. Rest in peace.
Martha F. Bostian: He will be greatly missed by all. What a great man he was. My prayers are with you, Gerry.
MoniKa Borras Bigsby: We would often pass on the street, and he would always ask how I was. He will be missed.
Lynn Miller: He was a sweet man. (The) Salisbury Post has not been the same since he left!
Lynda Kirkpatrick, Bermuda Run: Sad to hear this. Mr. Hurley was a nice man, always so pleasant.
Denise Lavigne, Boca Raton, Fla., A Great!, Great! Man has gone. My blessing to his wife, Gerry!
Carole Charbonnier: What a fabulous man. My family and I will never forget his hospitality and generosity during their visit from Africa.
Kim Eaton: He was a great guy and fun. Thoughts and prayers to family.
Ken Beck: I am saddened by the loss of Mr. Hurley, a true gentleman and a gentle-man. The Post hasn’t been the same since he left, and now the community will not be the same either. God Bless the whole Hurley family at this sad time.
Carolyn S. Hall: So sorry to hear of his passing.
Archie Tucker: Sorry for the family. What a great man he was. He did so much for kids. Praying for you Gerry and Gordon.
Vaughan Earle Justice: Sad that people like him can’t live forever.
Sharon Adamson: My dear friend Jimmy was my hero. He saved my life and made it worth living. He was one in a million, like a father to me who always had faith in me.
Steve Huffman, former Post reporter: I never worked for Jimmy. I spoke to him a few times. I once told him that everyone told me they wished his family had never sold the paper, that it was much better when they owned it. Jimmy said, “Oh, they hated us when we owned it, too. It’s the nature of the beast.”
Jeana Spry: I don’t think I had been working here at the Post very long but talked to Jimmy very often. I have never been very good at having proper English. I remember one particular time that Jimmy reminded me of this when he corrected me and said, “You never use two negatives in one sentence.” Needless to say I tried my best watching how I said things from then on. Of course, I don’t think it lasted very long. Jimmy and Gerry have always held a special place in my heart and always will. I love them both very much.
Kathy Graham Pulliam: He was always at the 8:30 service at First Presbyterian Church most every Sunday with his wife, and it was so nice to see him in the congregation. He was such a pillar of support at FPC, and we will truly miss him.
Martha Bolmon, former Post reporter: Jim was a very caring, giving person who contributed so much to the community — often anonymously. It was an honor to work in the newsroom for a number of years for the Hurley family.
Laine China: I feel we have all lost a great friend and visionary for our county. My heart hurts for Gerry and Gordon and all of us who love him. Love remains, though the person dies. I do not believe that love is past tense. Those we love are always with us. They move inside us when their body gives out.