James "Phil" Thurman

James "Phil" Thurman, 73, of Blevins, Arkansas, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, December 17, 2025.

Phil was born on September 11, 1952, in Williston, North Dakota, to James and Wilma Thurman. He graduated from Blevins High School and dedicated his life to the land as a committed poultry and cattle farmer, a vocation he embraced seven days a week from the young age of twelve.

A true pillar of his community, Phil served as a past member of the Blevins School Board and the Ozan Creek Water Board. He also spent many years sharing his time and enthusiasm as a coach for youth baseball.

Phil was a man defined by his deep family bonds and his adventurous spirit. He was an incredibly loving, supportive, and encouraging presence in the lives of his children and grandchildren, attending every sporting event and ceremony possible. Nothing made him happier than seeing them all flourish and succeed. For his grandchildren, he delighted in dressing up as Santa Claus every Christmas, a joyful tradition he continued even after they figured out his true identity. He was a faithful and loving best friend to his wife, Teddy, in a marriage that spanned 54 wonderful years, filling their life together with laughter and true partnership.

When he wasn't working or cheering on his family, Phil indulged his passion for adventure. He loved river rafting and kayaking, finding particular exhilaration in white-water raft excursions of the Grand Canyon, a breathtaking trip he completed seven times. These 8-to-14-day trips allowed him to meet new people, experience exciting rapids, and sleep under the stars. He also thoroughly enjoyed his regular poker nights with friends. Phil possessed a magnetic wit and buoyant spirit; his greatest joy was igniting laughter, ensuring that every room he entered immediately became warmer and infinitely more fun. As a vivid storyteller, Phil was a radiant source of energy, making him the life of every gathering. Phil was also a faithful caregiver to his parents in their advanced ages.

Phil is predeceased by his parents, James and Wilma Thurman.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Teddy Thurman; his children, Jeff (Cecily) Butler of Texarkana, AR, David (Missy) Thurman of Blevins, and Amy (Ronald) May of Colleyville, TX; and his five cherished grandchildren, Dakota Butler, Daiton Butler, Lana Thurman, Hailey May, and Morgan May. He is also survived by his sisters, Glenda Hugg and Patsy (Bobby) Bonds; a special nephew, Brian Hugg; and many other extended family and dear friends.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2025 from 1:00- 2:00 P.M. at Herndon- Fuqua Funeral Home Hope Chapel.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. at Herndon-Fuqua Funeral Home Hope Chapel.

Burial will follow at Marlbrook Cemetery.