Death of a Cave Explorer and friend

[tj]

James Hurley passed away Wednesday evening, last night, at home with family. He has battled a cancer for the past few years. James was an active cave instructor and friend to many. I met James years ago when he taught me a PADI Rescue class. We became fast friends and dived regularly thereafter. When I needed the first moderators for this forum, he was the first to step forward. This forum almost tore us apart once upon a time, but over the past few months we've been talking about things; a lot.

His passion, aside from his two boys and wife Karole, were the caves in the Turks and Caicos. He was an avid u/w cave surveyor and cartographer and did many maps. One of the notable ones was of Cow Springs.

There will be a memorial service and no funeral. That date will be announced later. Knowing the near future, James made many arrangements to ease the burden of his family at this time. I can't go into the details, but it hurt me hearing him talk about it, but I was impressed. He hoped to have more weeks of life, but it just didn't happen.

His influence on me was profound. I'll miss him and the dreams we shared.

Here are a few pictures his wife just emailed us:

[Sludge]

Godspeed, James. You'll always know what you meant to me.

[KarsticGator]

This is terrible news. My deepest condolences to his family.

I had the pleasure of doing my apprentice and full cave training classes with him, as he was finishing up his instructor certification with LG. He was a great diver, and had a terrific way of assisting all of us in the class. While I never got an opportunity to dive with him after that, or to develop a closer friendship, it deeply saddens me to read this news.

Take Care James...

[Jim Wyatt]

My condolences to James' family & friends.

[saturation]

Sorry to hear, my condolences and sympathy.

[cavediver27]

Sad news indeed. Condolences to family and friends.

[Cindy]

James and I learned about cave diving together, we found our first cave. Over the years we drifted apart. He joined facebook a couple months ago and reconnected. I hate to see someone so full of life go so young. My love to Karole. He will be missed.

[Rich]

RIP James, you will be missed! Condolences to family and friends.....

Safe diving,

Rich

[mfascuba]

I'd not seen him in quite a while - this is a shock! Condolences to his family - I'm speechless. Very sad.

Mrk

[jeandiver]

My prayers to his family and friends. I never had the pleasure of meeting him , but from what everyone has said about him , well , he sounded like a wonderful diver and friend.

I agree with Cindy , he went WAY TOO YOUNG.

Jean