James “Jim” T. Thurman, 98, of Kewanee, passed away Monday, December 16, 2024, at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home, Peoria. Jim was born October 18, 1926, in Kewanee, the son of James M. and Nellie (Thomas) Thurman. Jim attended and graduated from Wethersfield High School in 1944. Jim married Wilma Fulton on October 26, 1952, at the First United Methodist Church in Kewanee; they were married 72 years.

Jim is survived by his wife, Wilma; two daughters, Debra (Kevin) Bailey, Pekin, IL, Susan (John) Otterbeck, North Liberty, IA; five grandchildren, Ryan (Monique) Otterbeck, Jarrod (Kendra) Bailey, Aaron (Trish) Otterbeck, Sarah (Ben) Mooney, and Brooke (Shane) Armbrister; twelve great grandchildren, Zoey and Maddox Bailey, Parker and Palmer Otterbeck, Carter and Max Otterbeck, Beckett, Hadley, Morgan and Campbell Mooney, and Hal and Miles Armbrister. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Betty Gorham, Nan Werdeman, Phyllis Connelly; and brothers, Jack Thurman and Troy Thurman.

After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the Navy during World War II. He served two years abroad on an LST Support Ship in the Pacific. In 2009, he was given the opportunity to take part in the Quad Cities Honor Flight to Washington DC. After the war, Jim worked at Couve’s Service Station. Then in 1955, he began working at UPS. He retired in 1983 after 28 years with the company.

Jim spent time golfing at Baker Park and volunteering with the Tuesday and Thursday mornings Senior Men’s League. He also volunteered time helping light Windmont Park at Christmas. He was a member of the American Legion and served on the Kewanee Veteran’s Council for many years, providing funeral services for numerous veterans.

As a die-hard Cubs fan. Jim was selected to be one of the twenty fans to hand out World Series rings to the 2016 Champion Cubs. Jim handed Jake Arrieta his ring in a pre-game ceremony at Wrigley Field. It was an honor of a lifetime for a lifelong fan.

In August he was honored at Wethersfield High School as the oldest surviving alumni.

Visitation will be from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, Saturday, December 21, 2024, at Golnick-Schueneman Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be at 12:00 pm, on Saturday. Pastor Linnea Gustafson will officiate. Military Rites will be accorded by the Kewanee Veterans Council. Burial will be in Evergreen Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be made to the Kewanee Veterans Council.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home for their extraordinary compassion and care extended to Jim and the family during this difficult time.