John Jurta IV (aka James Jurta, “Jimmy,” “Jazz”) left this life on April 22, 2015 after a lengthy battle with Multiple Sclerosis, with his loving wife and family by his side. Born on November 11, 1952, Jimmy spent his childhood in Franklin with his dear mother, Janet Jurta, grandmother “Bet” Paquette, and little “bro” Joey.

Music was a natural attribute, and everything came very easily for him – singing, guitar, violin, upright bass, you name it! Music ran through his veins! From this blossomed many successful bands and opportunities, and it was often that he brought home his fellow talented friends from Berkeley School of Music to jam with him and Bet at home.

Carpentry was another love of Jimmy’s and became his livelihood in self-employment.

But Jimmy’s biggest love was for his wife Brenda, of 38 years, with whom he shared his dream, and together they lived a non-conformist lifestyle in the middle of the woods, in the simplest way possible – off the grid! They built their first home, an 8′ x 10′ cabin, where they welcomed their first daughter, Amaliya, and soon upgraded space for their children to follow – James, Benjamin, Amanda, and Anna Katie. They built their larger house with recycled timber, with a passive solar façade to best use natural elements. Nature nurtured.

Jimmy played a part in all five of his children’s marriages and enjoyed the company of his seven grandchildren. Despite the challenge of his sickness, the entire family remained united and strong to the very end. His memory will be forever cherished.

Visiting hours will be on Sunday, April 26, from 2 to 5 PM at Thibault-Neun Funeral Home, 143 Franklin Street, Franklin. A Mass celebrating his life will be held on Monday, April 27, at 11 AM at Immaculate Conception Church, 12 Church Lane, Andover. Burial will follow in Lakeside Cemetery, East Andover.

For directions and an online guestbook, please visit NeunFuneralHomes.com.

Donations in his memory may be made to Community Bridges Assistance Fund, 70 Pembroke Road, Concord NH 03301.