James Harold “Jim” Thurman
Died – July 17, 2020
LYNDON — James Harold “Jim” Thurman went to join the love of his life and best friend, Sandra, in the presence of the Lord on July 17,2020. He was 82.
Jim was born in Jenkins, Mo., the son of Joel and Nellie Audrie Thurman.
Jim worked for the Corps of Engineers for 30 years in Tulsa, Little Rock, and Kansas City districts. In his earlier days with the Corps, he worked on the construction of lock and dam systems on the Arkansas River, near Tulsa, Okla., to Russelville, Ark., and on reservoir dams including Beaver Lake, in Arkansas, and Stockton Lake, in Missouri. He then became a park ranger at Stockton and later the chief ranger, at Pomona Lake, and finally the maintenance supervisor, at Perry Lake.
From his years of work experience he developed the unique ability to operate just about any piece of equipment. He was an avid tinkerer, always making or repairing something and spent a great deal of time researching his ancestry.
Jim was an avid fan of old-time bluegrass music, played multiple instruments including guitar, mandolin and fiddle, even having at least one opportunity long ago to perform on the radio.
Besides his wife, Sandra, of 60 years, who preceded him in death in 2017, he was also preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Joe Lynn; and his eldest son, Mark.
He is survived by a son, Steven, Edgar Springs, Mo.; a daughter, Sharon Culley and husband, Kevin, Lyndon; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Family will hold a private memorial service. Visitation for friends and guests will be at 7 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 24, at Feltner Funeral Home, Lyndon.
Memorial contributions may be made to Lyndon Carnegie Library.
Online condolences may be expressed at feltnerfuneralhome.com.
