James Dennis Hurliman born April 28, 1940 and passed away June 10, 2024 from complications after contracting MRSA.
Born into a large Swiss Catholic family, he was 4 of 8 in the birth order and a lifetime resident of Tillamook County. Originally a South County Hurliman born up Horn Creek then moved to Pacific City (not to be confused with the Meda Loop or Cloverdale Hurlimans).
He graduated from Nestucca HS in 1958, then enlisted, served and was honorably discharged from The US Army. He was stationed mostly in Germany and by God’s grace stayed out of Vietnam. He married Sue (Colleknon) In 1967. With “too many Hurlimans already named Tony and Clem”, their son Brett was born in 1969, and daughter Julie in 1971.
Jim had a road construction business for awhile early in his marriage, but later went to work for his father in law at TP Freight as a driver and then terminal manager. He retired in 1995 at age 55. He was an exceptional driver, especially with the heavy hauler. He had a reputation of being able to move equipment out of tight spots and could “turn that thing around on a dime”. Asked about how much space he needed he said “all I need is the length of the trailer and I can turn the lowboy around.” He also had extensive knowledge of the logging roads and terrain, making his services high in demand and respected.
While he was tight with a buck, he was generous with his time and served on several boards of local non-profits over the years. Tillamook Pioneer Museum, Tillamook Swiss Society, Tillamook Pioneer Association, Tillamook Order of the Oddfellows, Fairview Water, BPOE. Jim loved all things Tillamook County. His memory was sharp and detailed. He was a bit of a living encyclopedia ready and willing to share his wealth of knowledge, making him a valued resource on the boards he served in his elected position(s), and often as the unofficial historian.
An avid outdoorsman, he loved to fish, clam, crab, hunt and drink a little bit – beer or 2 fingers of bourbon – and BS. He and Sue bought a little slice of Heaven on the Nehalem River several years ago, and he loved spending time there.
Being raised on a dairy farm gave him a solid work ethic, and made him incredibly resourceful. He could build, repair or design just about anything. But for having such mechanical aptitude, he sure seemed to struggle keeping boats and lawn mowers running!
For several years he & Sue vacationed every winter in Mexico. They made many friends- Mexican, Canadian & American. They stopped going, not because of any health reasons, but because they couldn’t bear to leave their beloved chihuahua, Taco. Taco was without question his favorite child (fur or skin).
He was preceded in death by his parents Anton & Bertha Hurliman, and siblings Dave, Joanne, Ed and Ben. He is survived by his wife Sue and their chihuahua Neko, children Brett and Julie, grandchildren Shayla, Stella and Matteo; younger siblings Charlie (Sue), Kathy (John) Corrigan & Christy (George) Beltran, and oodles of cousins, nieces and nephews.
We’d also like to mention the much treasured friendships of The Fern Coffee Group. He loved the banter, camaraderie, and lower prices of day old donuts.
Services are being held Friday June 21, 2024 in Tillamook as follows:
11am Recitation of the Rosary @ Sacred Heart Catholic Church
11:30am Funeral Mass @ Sacred Heart Catholic Church
1pm Reception at Tillamook Elks Lodge
In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting these local non-profits that were so important to Jim: Tillamook County Pioneer Museum, Tillamook County Pioneer Association, Tillamook Swiss Society, or Tillamook Oddfellows – Pumpkin Patch
