James Elwood THRASH

1928 - 2021

James Elwood Thrash, patriarch of our family passed away on August 11, 2021, at the age of 93. Jim suffered for six years from the curse of Alzheimer's, but it was Covid-19 that actually took his life. He was born in Proctor, Minnesota on June 29, 1928, to William G. Thrash (1899-1963) and Effie I. (Hall) Thrash (1901-1976) and grew up in Junction City, Kansas. Shortly after high school, Jim enlisted in the newly formed branch of service the US Air Force and served as an Air Traffic Control Radar Maintenance Technician.

In 1952, Jim met and married his wife, "Dot" while he was stationed in Tampa, Florida. They were married in Florida and embarked on an intriguing life of military service. Jim transitioned from the enlisted ranks into the Warrant Officer program in 1957. His first assignment as a CWO1 was as a Site Commander on the DEW line located on the Aleutian Islands in Alaska. He was a member of the Inspector General team in Europe from 1963 to 1966. This period gave Jim and Dot and their two sons the opportunity to travel extensively throughout Europe. Jim was reported to be the youngest person to obtain his maximum rank of CWO4 in the history of the US Air Force. He retired out of Fairchild AFB in 1967 after 20 years of service.

Jim and Dot bought their first home in Spokane, WA and settled down into their civilian life. Jim then went to work for the City of Spokane as a field engineer in the Public Works Department. He retired from the City in 1989. Jim loved the game of golf and was most proud for serving on the USGA as a Rules Committee Chairman. He headed the committee for the Women's Amateur Public Links at Indian Canyon, his favorite golf course. He was the proud owner of three "Hole-in-One" plaques. Jim was also a founding member of the Spokane Curling Club and season ticket holder of the Spokane Chief's Hockey Team.

In addition to his parents, Jim is predeceased by his wife, Dorothy Thrash (1924-2019), brother William Thrash Jr., and his sisters Dorothy McDiffit and Ruth Hazelton. He is survived by his two sons, Barry D. Thrash (Debra) and Brent H. Thrash (Patty), three grandchildren, Raina M. Strand (Kelly), Megan E. Thrash (Jared Tolman) and James T. Thrash (Brianna), seven great-grandchildren, Makayla and Connor Strand, Samantha, Emma & Madeline Tolman, Madison and Rylynn Thrash, and two great-great granddaughters, Estella Strand and Vienna Sullivan, and other numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.

A celebration of Jim's life will be celebrated at a later date.