Jack Ervin Thurman

JACK E. THURMAN JUNE 28, 1924 - NOV 15, 2003

Jack was born Jack Ervin Thurman, June 28, 1924 in the small town of Bradfordsville, Kentucky. He was the oldest child of Ray and Alice Thurman. A sister, Lois Lucille and brother Richard Truman preceded him in death.

Jack attended elementary school in Bradfordsville and Lebanon and began high school when the family moved to Visalia, CA in 1939. He was a good son and because of his southern upbringing he addressed his teachers with ``M'am``. But he did have a bit of an impishness about him and when he found out that it peeved his teacher to call her ``M'am``, he made sure his conversation with her always included his polite ``M'am``. On one other occasion, he got in trouble because he was examining a new watch Nita had bought and the teacher thought they were holding hands.

In his sophomore year, he met Juanita Ruth Pettersen. Dated her until graduation in 1943 and married her one year later in 1944. They moved to Van Nuys, CA where their first child Michael Lee was born. By now Jack was employed by the Firestone Tire Company where he excelled in sales and one year won a trip to Bermuda. His next job took the family to Ventura, CA. By now a daughter Nancy Lee and another son Timothy Neal had been added. Several jobs later he joined in a partnership to form Innovative Insurance Co. In the early 1980's he moved to yet another partnership where he was instrumental in the West Coast success of the NutraSystem weight-loss business. Jack was prominent andinfluential in both southern and northern California, primarily in Modesto, dealing with investments and land development.

Very close to Jack's heart was Youth for Christ and he was an important part of expanding that organization in Ventura County. He served on the YFC board for several years. He was also active in the Ventura Christian Business men's Committee. He was an active member of Big Valley Grace Church in Modesto, faithfully supporting the church in its endeavors for expansion an missionary work.

Jack had many hobbies through the years such as water sports, fishing and hunting. But his real love was flying. He owned his own plane and found it helpful for business trips as well as for his family's pleasure. He had to give up flying when his heart began to give him a little trouble. However, on a trip to Kentucky in 2001, he was allowed to land a small plane he had rented. It was the last time at the controls.

Jack was still leading an active life working his business from his home until a stroke hospitalized him April 29th of this year. He had fought a good battle since then until he passed on November 15, 2003. He leaves Juanita his wife of 59 years; son Michael of Modesto; daughter Nancy of Ventura; son Tim of Overton, Nevada; a sister June Wharton of Valley Springs, CA; 6 grandchildren Laurie, Brooke, Ashley, Robert, Albert, Melody; and 8 great grandchildren. These and the many friends he's made down through the years will miss him terribly.

A memorial service will be held at Big Valley Grace Community Church in Modesto, 4040 Tully Rd. (209)577-1604, at 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 22. FRANKLIN & DOWNS-McHENRY CHAPEL, in charge of arrangements (209)529-5723.

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