Jay Hurt

James Ratliff Hurt, Jr. was born on November 4, 1953. Born and raised on the family ranch in Odessa, Jay loved nothing more than the life of a rancher. He attended Austin Elementary and Crockett Junior High, where he met his wife of 49 years, Vickie Carol Thomas. Jay and Vickie graduated from Odessa High School in 1972 and were married in 1973. Their families became great friends through the many years of life together.

Jay was an expert horse and cow man. He represented the true definition of a cowboy: hard working, well mannered, and a great friend and neighbor to those around him. His greatest days were spent working cattle across west Texas and New Mexico, and he always made a concerted effort to spend time and give his respect to the ranchers that came before him. He was the true definition of resilient and maintained a positive outlook on life regardless of the circumstances.

His love for horses led to the National Cutting Horse Association where he and Vickie spent many years building friendships and showing horses. His accomplishments while horseback, is too many to be listed. He shared his love of horses with his granddaughters and spent many years dedicated to supporting them in the hunter/jumper arena.

His greatest accomplishments in his eyes were his children and grandchildren. He was a supporter, a motivator, and the foundation of his family. He gave selflessly to so many. He built bonfires, drove hayrides, created homecoming floats, and danced on the football field.

Jay is preceded in death by his grandparents, Sam Hurt and Mary Hurt McCollum and Pete and Helen Wheeler; his in-laws, A.C. Thomas and Norma Jean Johnson Bryce; and his nephew, Ben Heap.

He is survived by his wife, Vickie Carol Thomas Hurt; his parents, James R. “Buzz” Hurt and Betsy Triplett Hurt,  and Freddie Jean Wheeler; his siblings, Mary Helen Johnson, Joe Hurt and wife Sherry,  Sally Bolton and husband Toya, and Benny Thomas and wife Susan; his daughters, Amy Hurt, Angie Hurt King and husband Cliff, and Jaymie Hurt; his amazing grandchildren, Sophia Robertson and husband Braden, Trey King, and Helen Pasternak; many nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews, and a vast amount of extended family and friends.

His gentle spirit and kind demeanor will be greatly missed. We rejoice knowing that he has arrived with his father and shall once again ride along the land he loved so much.

Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 PM, Friday, October 7, 2022, at the Bridge Church in Odessa, Texas. Pastor Donnie Williams and Pastor Griffin Jones officiating.