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James Norman Thulin
1949 - 2025
BORN
1949
DIED
2025
James Thulin Obituary
When James was 6 years old the family moved to Tacoma, Washington, after his mother remarried Donald Thulin.
At 17 years old he was drafted to the U.S. Army to fight in the Vietnam War.
In James' first marriage he had two sons, James Thulin Jr. and Kenneth Thulin.
In 1979 he met the love of his life, in Boundary, Alaska, Sandra Thulin. The two had two girls, Jaime Thulin and Jodie Thulin. In 1996 Jim had the opportunity to move back to Alaska where he always wanted to live.
James worked as a school bus driver and DMV examiner for 25 years in the Fairbanks community. He loved gold mining in the summers when he wasn't in school.
James leaves behind two sons, two daughters, nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Jim has joined his mother, father, stepfather, wife, brother and sister in death.
There will be a celebration of life at a future date at American Legion Post 57.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Thulin
7 Entries
Brittani Sproul
Earlier today
He taught me so much when I was a bus driver. And he also helped my son so much while I was working there. He was like another grandparent for him. He was a great guy that would tell you it straight, but had a real soft side to him. You will be dearly missed g-pa jim.
James Smith
Earlier today
Mr. Thulin was fun to work with at laid law/ First Student, he was always a friend too, after our morning routes there were a group of us that would get together and do breakfast and coffee at the dinner but now him, Scotty and Kerry are back together again as the three amigos.
Malia Bockus
Earlier today
When I moved to Alaska in 2008, synchronicity led me to a job driving school buses within a couple of weeks. Jim Thulin trained me how to drive, and was a great friend. He, Kerry and Scotty were such a big part of my life in that time. I like to hope they are all b.s.ing in that big Dispatch Office in the Sky! I love you Jimma!
Karen Redmon
Earlier today
Jim is gonna be thoroughly missed. He was one of a kind! He was my trainer when I first started out with Laidlaw 23+ years ago. I always like talking with him of course when he had free time. Which wasn´t often because he was always so busy thank you Jim for everything that you did for the three bus companies that you worked for.
Joe Samaniego
Earlier today
I'm sorry to hear the sad news. I met Jim in 2005 when I was a nearly broke student at UAF and needed a job. The school bus company hired me, and Jim trained me. He became someone I looked up to at the school bus company for advice. I respected how he interacted with everyone and conducted himself. I was there from 2005 to 2007, and came back after graduating from college in the lower 48 for the 2009-2010 school year. A lot changed when I was away, but Jim was someone I trusted and respected a ton. The last time I saw Jim was I beleive 2015 or 2016, he was in his pickup truck, and when I said hi, big hug, and a fun time catching up.
He was a positive influence on me; I learned a lot from him that has helped in life, and I wish I had more time to chat with him. I appreciated the advice he gave and the support as I went from a college student who had too much fun, to a more serious student, then a graduate student, and now a city manager. He really believed in me, opened my eyes, and I will greatly miss him.
Thinking of the Thulin family, friends, and everyone at the school bus company who will remember Jim.
kevin taylor
Earlier today
when i worked with him at the bus barn I looked up to him he was a good friend and I learned things threw him i enjoyed his company I will miss him greatly let his soul know no hardship and be at peace knowing the values he gave will live on threw others.
Jasmine Couch
Earlier today
He knew me since I was a little little and years later I had the privilege to work with him at the bus company . He was a kind soul that knew how to make someone laugh if will miss him greatly.
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