B.J. Thurlby

Burdette Jerome "BJ" Thurlby, 60, of Washington, passed away on January 10, 2026, in Seattle, following an eight-month battle with cancer. After being diagnosed with stage 4 testicular cancer in June, BJ endured four rounds of chemotherapy and spent more than 45 days in the hospital at UW Medicine over the summer. On January 7, he underwent a 16-hour tumor removal surgery in his abdomen, and despite his courage and the extraordinary care of his medical team, he passed away shortly after the procedure. His family is deeply grateful to the incredible doctors and nurses at UW Medicine who gave them more precious time together.
BJ was born on October 9, 1965, in Seattle and raised on Lake Tapps as an only child by his dad, a teacher and former professional baseball player, and his mom, a homemaker and former professional model. He played baseball, football, soccer, and basketball. A standout athlete, BJ was an all-state basketball player for Auburn High School and went on to play at Central Washington University, where he met his wife, Maggie. During college, he traveled to Southeast Asia to play basketball with and against Olympic athletes. His love of the game stayed with him throughout his life, and he later proudly coached all three of his children.
After earning a degree in public relations, BJ began his career as a sales representative for Gallo Winery in Seattle. He and Maggie later moved to her hometown of Yakima, which BJ was proud to call home for the rest of his life. Deeply rooted in the state he loved, he built a distinguished career as President of the Washington State Fruit Commission. He traveled the world promoting Northwest cherries, once proudly noting that his work had allowed him to eat breakfast on six continents. He retired on December 31, 2025, closing a meaningful 30-year chapter defined by his passion for the cherry industry and the people within it. On January 7, 2026, BJ was honored with the industry's annual "Cherry King" award. Though he was unable to attend the ceremony due to his surgery, he received a standing ovation.
Above all else, BJ was a family man. He is survived by his beloved wife, Maggie, whom he married on May 22, 1993, and with whom he shared a beautiful 33-year marriage rooted in love, partnership, and laughter. They truly loved doing life side by side-going to the gym, grocery shopping, traveling, and discovering new places to enjoy a good meal. He was a devoted father to his children, Griffin, Kenzie, and Greyson, who were the pride and joy of his life. He loved them fiercely and spoke of them often, finding his greatest happiness in their lives and accomplishments. Beyond his immediate family, BJ was a deeply loved uncle and great-uncle to more than 30 nieces and nephews, a cherished brother-in-law to Maggie's 9 siblings, and an adoring son-in-law to Maggie's mother, Alice. The love he poured into his family was his most defining legacy.
BJ was preceded in death by his parents, Burdette ("Burdy") and Louise Thurlby; his fathers-in-law, Loren Platte and John Poston; and his brothers-in-law, Matt Platte and Steve Platte.
In addition to his devotion to family, BJ treasured his lifelong friendships, staying connected with friends from high school and college through shared stories, mischievous memories, and trips together to places like Las Vegas and Scottsdale.
Those who knew BJ will remember his enormous heart, unforgettable sense of humor, and natural ability to light up every room he entered. His charisma and charm were matched only by his kindness and generosity. He found joy in watching sports, traveling near and far, savoring good food and a glass of red wine, and losing himself in a good book. A lifelong dog lover, BJ was a proud "grandpaw" and had long dreamed of spending his retirement volunteering with the humane society. BJ's life was defined by love, connection, and joy, and his impact will be felt by all who were fortunate enough to know him.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Yakima Humane Society, Wags to Riches, or UW Medicine in memory of BJ Thurlby. All who knew BJ are invited to celebrate his life: a semi-formal reception with dinner, drinks, and speeches will be held on February 21, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Yakima Convention Center. In the spirit of BJ's own words-"Thurlbys are about celebration"-this will be a joyful occasion to honor his life and legacy.
Shaw & Sons Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at shawandsons.com.