James L. Thurber, age 78, of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin died Sunday, October 25, 2009 at the Riverview Hospital in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin after a courageous battle with cancer.
Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 29, 2009 at the Roseberry’s Funeral Home in Friendship, Wisconsin. Pastor Terri Skildum will officiate. Interment will be at the Monroe Center Cemetery, Town of Monroe, Adams County, Wisconsin.
Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday at Roseberry’s Funeral Home and again on Thursday from 12 Noon until the time of service.
Jim was born October 27, 1930 in Columbia, Kentucky to Merton and Rose F. (Roach) Thurber. He worked at Consolidated Papers for 41 years, retiring in 1992. He married Helen (Ostrum) Stone on December 18, 1993 in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.
He enjoyed dancing, traveling, and playing pool at the Senior Center in Wisconsin Rapids. Anyone who knew Jim, will know hell dance his way into the "Pearly Gates" with his little hip swivel.
Jim was preceded in death by mother and father.
Survivors:
Wife: Helen Thurber of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin
Son: James (Lorie) Thurber of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin
Son: David (Mary) Thurber of Sugar Grove, IL
Daughter: Lori Thurber of Lodi, Wisconsin
Grandchild: Noah Thurber
Grandchild: Jon Thurber
Grandchild: Tara Lang
Grandchild: Rudy Lang
Sister: Nea (Richard) Senatore of Sarasota, FL
Brother: Robert (Marie) Thurber of Sterling, IL
Brother: Jack (Sylvia) Thurber of Hillpoint, Wisconsin
Brother: Harold (Geraldine) Thurber of Kenosha, Wisconsin
Stepchildren: Karen Nigh of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin
Stepchild: Patricia (Charles) Baker of Nekoosa, Wisconsin
Stepchild: Gary Stone of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin
Stepchild: Joyce (John) Swartout of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin
Step-grandchildren: 15
Step-great-grandchildren: 25
My father was a great and kind man. He enjoyed being with people and had the gift of "being there now," in order to devote his attention to the person he was talking with. This attribute is what made his relationships genuine and meaningful.
His view of people and of life was of quiet, thoughtful reverence, tempered with frequent laughter and dance.
He was my dad, and I am lucky and proud.
To Lorie, Jim, and David. I really thought the world of Your dad, and always enjoyed associating with him. Sorry that he had to suffer so much.Please accept my sympathy.
Lori
I am so sorry for your loss. I think of you often. You are in my prayers. If you ever want to talk, Im here for you.
Sincerely,
Deedee, Mike and Emily Grace Heath
Jim will always be remembered for his smile and laugh. Heaven is a little brighter this day.
May God comfort you during this difficult time.
lori, jim & david
i always enjoyed being around your dad he always had a smile and something fun to talk about i will always have fond memories of him he will be missed by many my thoughts are with you during this time long live his memory
Thurber family – My sympathy to you all. I know how much he enjoyed life and am glad he enjoyed doing the things he did
Jim was a great man. The positive effect he had, and will always have, on his entire family proved it. Please accept our prayers for everyone.