Dr. James Hurd was born in Bonham, Texas and raised in Topeka, Kansas where he received his early education. He received a Bachelor of Music degree in organ, graduating with Departmental Honors from Washburn University in Topeka where his instructor was Max Elsberry. He later received a Master of Music degree from the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago, Illinois, where he studied organ with Dr. Edward Eigenschenk. He earned a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the University of Southern California, studying organ with Dr. Irene Robertson.

In 1973, he joined the faculty of El Camino College where he lectures in Music Appreciation in addition to teaching piano and organ. He currently serves as the Organist/Director of Music for St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Redondo Beach and Organist for First Baptist Church of Palos Verdes in Rolling Hills Estates.

In 2015, he was named an Alumni Fellow by Washburn University, an award recognizing distinguished alumni who have achieved notable success in their chosen field. In December of 2018 he was the recipient of the Excellence in Arts Award in the area of music given by the Torrance Cultural Arts Commission of Torrance, CA. He is a long time member of the LA Chapter of the AGO.