James P. Thurston

Remember Coach fondly from Countryside High School, class of 1983. A man to look up to and respect. Treated all his students fairly. Rest in Peace, we will all run with you someday again!

All the members of the
Sunshine State Chapter of the
Korean War Veterans Association
wish to convey their condolences to the family of James P Thurston, LTCDR USN Rtd.
NOT ONE OF THEM IS FORGOTTEN BEFORE GOD. WE SHALL REMEMBER THEM.

Lot's can be said of and about Coach Thurston. One thing I think we all can agree on and that was Coach Thurston was a great man. He inspired me in so many ways. I was an average kid and runner but around him I never felt "average" Coach always encouraged me to be the best person I could. Thank you Coach, I will always be grateful for your guidance and encouragement.

Some of us were never going to be great runners, yet he reached out to us as well. Shaped us, molded us, cared for us, and made us feel like a significant part of "his team." And, speaking not only for myself, but certainly many others, I am the better for it. He will live on because of the great memories we have to share.

Thank you Coach Thurston for never giving up on us, though we were hard headed high school students who did not always understand at the time the benefits of what you were teaching us. You prepared us mentally and physically for the races that day and for the rest of our lives.

Coach Thurston was my favorite coach at CHS. He inspired me to always do my best potential in track. A great man who will be missed. I feel honored I had the opportunity to know him.

He was more than our coach , he was a friend and mentor that taught us many lessons through hard work, we only thought he was whipping us into shape for cross country or track yet only years later did we recognize he had laid the foundation for many of our futures... his lessons live on in my heart everyday. praying for god to comfort mike and the family in a time of loss.

I was very saddened to learn of Coach Thurston's passing. It was a privilege and pleasure to have been a member of the Lady Tornadoes Varsity girls' team during his tenure as head coach and to have served as one of the Cross Country managers for the '78 season.

Coach Thurston did quite a job of inspiring the lives of so many Pinellas county student athletes. We are all so thankful that you are apart of our lives.

Coach Thurston was such a positive force in the lives of my two sons. His was a life well lived and one that will be remembered.

I'm so sorry to hear of your death. I cherished the time I spent with you at Spy reunions. I will especially never forget our golf games in Florida, either in Tampa or Orlando or somewhere in-between. I miss you old friend.

Coach Thurston was my 7th grade Phys.ed. teacher at Oak Grove Jr. High. I have fond memories of those days and always admired his strong family values. To Mike and the rest of the family I am sorry for your loss but take comfort in knowing that your dad is with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Coach Thurston was my teacher, coach, mentor and friend. I was so blessed to have him in my life. He helped me become a better person!

Coach Thurston gave us his unlimited time and ceaseless effort to make us better athletes and, more important, persons. Let's honor him by aspiring to his example of selflessness and service, knowing we well never attain it. Thanks, Coach T. You made a difference.

Jim and I grew up in Chattanooga, Tennessee and I knew his family even after he was married. We played a lot of golf in many states. He will be missed but not forgotten. All of his friends pray that his 'SOUL" will be blessed Marge & Dempsey Weaver---Belle Vernon, Pa.

He was my oldest and closest friend. We shared many happy moments together. I am really going to miss not seeing him again.