James Jurrens composer / arranger

James (Jim "Doc") Jurrens (2 September 1926, Avon, S.D. – 28 May 2005, Oklahoma City, Ok.) was an American composer, conductor and educator.

Dr. Jurrens began the study of music on the French horn and piano at the age of 11 but later specialized in woodwind instruments and organ and has also performed as a percussionist. He received a bachelor's degree from the Dakota Wesleyan University, a master's degree from the University of South Dakota, and a Ph.D. from the University of Northern Colorado.

After serving in the U.S. Navy from 1944-1945, he taught public school music for 12 years in the towns of Delmont and Scotland, South Dakota. He was then director of bands at the University of South Dakota from 1957-1966 and at Minot State College from 1966-1970. From 1970-1988, he was director of bands and chairman of the music department at Southwestern Oklahoma State University.

Jurrens appeared as guest conductor in the United States and abroad, and after retiring in 1988 devoted himself to composing and guest-conducting. He was the author of several books and articles on music subjects and was active in several music organizations. Among his honors and awards are the National Band Association's Citation of Excellence (1965) and election to the NBA Hall of Fame of Distinguished Band Conductors (1989). In addition to his works for band, he composed numerous works for small ensembles. He also was the author of a textbook, Tuning the Band, and composed numerous percussion solos and ensembles.