James P. Thurston

1928 - 2014

James P. Thurston obituary, 1928-2014, Largo, FL

James P. Thurston

1928 - 2014

James Thurston Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jul. 27, 2014.
Website Info: James Paul Thurston Born December 31, 1928 Chattanooga, TN Died July 24, 2014 at home. Proceeded in death by his mother Mamie Jane Million, his beloved wife Betty Hyman Thurston, his granddaughter Dacey Renee Sibley and his eldest daughter Lynn Beth Spears. He is survived in death by his twin daughters Nancy Thurston Channell (David) and Deborah ET Sibley (Timothy) and his son Michael Timothy Thurston (Vickie), granddaughters Tracey Nicole Thurston, Nancilyn Katrina Sibley and Rachael Spears and grandsons Michael Kent Spears Jr, Timothy Avard Sibley Jr, and Daniel J. Hamilton. Jim was a charter member and Deacon of Christ Presbyterian Church of Largo. He graduated from Maryville College Maryville, TN BS Mathematics, University of Florida, MS Physical Education and University of Florida PHD candidate in Educational Administration 1969-1971. Jim served in the US Navy 1951-1955 (Veteran of Korean Conflict) and retired from the Naval Reserve as Lieutenant Commander. He began teaching 1956 (internship Largo High School), Oak Grove Jr High (Teacher and Basketball & Track coach), Pinellas County Teachers' Association Salary Negotiator, NEA Teacher contract negotiator, Tyrone Jr High (Teacher and Track coach), Dixie Hollins High (Teacher and Cross Country & Track coach), Clearwater High (Teacher and Cross Country, Track and Inaugural Girls Basketball coach), Countryside High until retirement in 1989 (Teacher and Cross Country & Track coach). Florida State Cross Country Champion team 1985, National High School Cross Country Coach of the Year 1988, Inducted to the Maryville College Sports Hall of Fame 2004. Jim was a lifelong golfer and sports enthusiast. He loved traveling including attending two Summer Olympics 1980 in Los Angeles and 1996 in Atlanta and annual trips to the Masters in Augusta, GA. In lieu of flowers Memorial Contributions may be given to the American Heart Association, 11207 Blue Heron Blvd. North, St Petersburg, FL 33716.Memorial service to be held Friday, August 1, 2014 at Christ Presbyterian Church 7pm with graveside service open to the public Saturday August 2, 2014 at 2pm Dunedin Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by Serenity Funeral Home, 13401 Indian Rocks Road, Largo, FL 33774, Phone # 727-562-2080. Condolences may be offered at www.serenityfuneralhomelargo.com.

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August 9, 2014

Terri Burke posted to the memorial.

August 4, 2014

Someone posted to the memorial.

August 3, 2014

Mike Sherman posted to the memorial.

Terri Burke

August 9, 2014

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!

August 4, 2014

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.

Mike Sherman

August 3, 2014

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.

John Graham

August 3, 2014

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.

Greg Paulus

August 3, 2014

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.

Joy Roberts-Brooks

August 2, 2014

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.

Tommy Smith

August 1, 2014

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.

Ann Milner

August 1, 2014

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.

Beth Farmer-Lusnia

August 1, 2014

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.

Sheila Farmer

August 1, 2014

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.

Bob Applewhite

July 31, 2014

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.

Gary Funkhouser

July 31, 2014

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.

Jim Ewbank

July 30, 2014

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!

Matt Farmer

July 29, 2014

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.

July 29, 2014

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.

Tyler Morgan

July 28, 2014

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

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Serenity Funeral Home & Serenity Gardens Memorial Park

13401 Indian Rocks Road, Largo, FL 33774

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Sign James Thurston's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

August 9, 2014

Terri Burke posted to the memorial.

August 4, 2014

Someone posted to the memorial.

August 3, 2014

Mike Sherman posted to the memorial.