James W. “Jim” Thurman, 95, died Tuesday, September 22, 2020, at Almost Home, Great Bend. He was born May 30, 1925 at Larned, KS, the son of Clair W. and Bess P. (Hawkins) Thurman. He was raised in Rozel and entered the U.S. Army in 1943 upon his graduation from Rozel High School. Jim married Darlene Z. Nelson of Larned, KS January 23, 1947. He graduated from Fort Hays Kansas State College in 1949. In 2000, he retired from a long career as an independent insurance agent in Great Bend. He was a former high school and college football and basketball official. He also served as a former mayor and city councilman of Great Bend.
Jim was a charter member of Trinity United Methodist Church and a member of the Lions Club and VFW, all of Great Bend.
Survivors include 5 children, Pamala Larsen (Tom Thompson) of Loveland, CO, Craig Thurman (Mary) of Overland Park, KS, Douglas (Judy) of Hays, KS, Denise Parker (Dan Pfannenstiel) of Dodge City, KS, and Marisa (Kevin) Struckhoff of Windsor, CO; 15 grandchildren; 32 great grandchildren plus 2 on the way; a sister-in-law, Gwyneth Frack, of Garden City, KS; three nieces and one nephew. He was preceded in death by his wife, Darlene; his parents; a son in law, Randy Larsen; and a great granddaughter, Finley Grace Taylor.
Visitation at Bryant Funeral Home in Great Bend will be held from Noon to 9:00 p.m., Friday, September 25, 2020. Jim’s children will be present from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and request that masks be worn. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the family is having a private graveside service at the Great Bend Cemetery with the Rev. Tom Thompson presiding. Memorial donations can be made to Almost Home, Inc. or Trinity United Methodist Church, both of Great Bend, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net
Arrangements by Bryant Funeral Home
1425 Patton Road Great Bend, Kansas 67530