CENTERBURG – James E. Thurston, 80, of Centerburg died Wednesday, March 9, 2022, at Bennington Glen Nursing and Rehab Center in Marengo.

James was born Dec. 26, 1941, in Sparta to Clovis and Virginia Del (Boyd) Thurston.

After graduating from Centerburg High School, he completed basic training in the United States Air Force.

He married Shirley Stiffler on Aug. 5, 1967.

James worked for Weyerhaeuser for over 42 years. He retired in March of 2008. Shirley and James attended Green Valley Southern Baptist Church. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and gardening but, most importantly, spending time with his family.

James will be deeply missed by his wife, Shirley; children James Michael (Karla) Thurston and John Clovis (Guy) Thurston; grandson Devin; and brothers Jerry Thurston and Eugene “Gene” Thurston.

James was preceded in death by his sister, Ruthanne Miller.

Graveside services, with military honors, will be at 11 a.m. on June 25, at Bloomfield Cemetery in Morrow County. Online tributes may be made at www.RobertsFuneralHome.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Capital City Hospice, 2800 Corporate Exchange Dr. #170, Columbus, Ohio 43231.