Surrounded by his loving family, Mr. Jim Gurley entered Heaven the morning of February 26, two days after his 71st birthday, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Jim's life's work was education. He served at all levels, beginning as a teacher of 8th grade English moving into administration where he served the people of Hart County as school Superintendent. He spent much of his career with the State Department of Education as a Regional Director, where he was best known for efficiency in planning and budgeting. Transitioning to Clarke County School District, he served there for many years before retirement. In 2012, Jim received the distinguished honor of having the Clarke County School District transportation building named The Jim Gurley Sr. Transportation Facility. This was an honor of which Jim was extremely proud and humbled. Friends in education throughout the state of Georgia will remember him as an extraordinary educator in state, local and county schools.

Jim was the son of the late Audron and Lula Mae Stone Gurley and grew up in the Crossroads community of Hartwell. A lifelong member of Crossroads Baptist Church, he held numerous leadership positions throughout the years from Sunday School teacher to Chairman of the Finance Committee.

He is preceded in death by his brothers, Jack and Jeff Gurley. Surviving to cherish his memory, is his wife Angie, son Jim Jr., son Josh and daughter-in-law Ashley, sister Judy and granddog Ellie.

Recently asked what he considered his greatest accomplishment, Jim stated emphatically "his sons!"His love for his family was unconditional.

The family will receive friends Friday evening at Strickland Funeral Home. Services will be Saturday morning at 11 a.m. at Cross Roads Baptist Church, Hartwell.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Crossroads Baptist Church Pavilion Fund, 3636 Lavonia Hwy, Hartwell GA 30643.