James Leroy Thurman Obituary in Jackson at Westhaven Memorial Funeral Home, Inc.

Obituary For James Leroy Thurman

We are celebrating the Life and Legacy of James Leroy Thurman (Mr. T).

He was born to Felix and Rosa Lee Thurman on March 16, 1950, in Jackson, Mississippi. He was their youngest son of five children. James departed this life on July 30, 2022. His parents preceded him in death. Also preceding him in death his grandmother Mrs. Jessie Bracey and grandfather Mr. Jesse Bracey, his brother Felix Thurman, Jr., his sister Rosa Eppenger (Plum), and his nephew Timothy Thurman.

He attended Isable Elementary School and graduated from Jim Hill High School in 1968. During his high school years, he sung in the choir. After graduation, he attended Jackson State College (now Jackson State University). Later in life he attended and received several certificates from the Jackson Public Schools’ Career Development Center Vocational Education because he loved to work with his hands.

James was very talented with building and repairing various things. He was always with a project. James was known as a Mr. Fixit and a Jack-of-all -trades. He had numerous jobs throughout his life: an office supply Manager, a mechanic, a postal carrier, an air conditioner repairman, a small engine repairman, and an electrician, etc. He loved fishing, hunting, and he also developed a love of plants and flowers from his mother. He was an amateur horticulturalist.

During his younger years James was very quiet; however, in his adult life he became very outspoken when it came to his family and things that mattered the most. He was funny, nice, loved children, helpful, and enjoyed life. He loved his family and friends and was always there when asked. James was very kindhearted with a loving spirit, and he will truly be missed.

James is survived by his wife Sylvia Ann Thurman (Jackson, MS), his daughters Nikita Thurman-Irons (Peachtree Corners, GA) and Tammy Thurman-Gray (Byram, MS), and his grandchildren Rashaad (Jackson, MS), Christopher Jr. and Braylyn Gray (Byram, MS). He is also survived by his Mother-in-law Mrs. Christine Gary, his sister Carolyn Thurman, brother Johnny Thurman, brother-in-law John Gary, and special friend Melquince Bogan. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Graveside services will be Saturday, August 6, 2022 at 10:00 a.m., Garden Memorial Park, 8001 Highway 49, Jackson, MS 39209. Visitation will be from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

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Danita Wade sent Beautiful Dreams for James Leroy Thurman - August 05, 2022

With our deepest sympathy.
Kilah White and Danita Wade

Send flowers for James Leroy Thurman

Dwayne Perkins sent Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum for James Leroy Thurman - August 05, 2022

To Nikita and Family: May God continue to bless and protect you. You are in my prayers!
Dwayne Perkins

Gerardo J. Gonzalez sent Compassionate Lily Bouquet for James Leroy Thurman - August 05, 2022

Nikita, we are sorry for your loss. May the Lord grant you the strength and compassion to you and your loved ones. From the HUD OIG San Juan FO.

We the family of Demackal sims, send our condolences to his wife and children and the family. He was truly a friend and he did a lot of good work for me, he will truly, truly be missed. To the family be strong and a blessing to one another.

Thoughts and prayers to the Thurman family during this time when words are difficult. May you experience the peace of God now and in the days to come. Patricia Lewis-Strong Jim Hill class of 1968

To the Thurman Family, I pray that God will grant you the strength you need to get through this difficult time. Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories. That is definitely the trail of my dear classmate, James. Rest in Heaven. Ella Bracey Alexander, Jim Hill Class, "1968".

Rest in the Lord brother !!!!

💔 I know your hearts are broken because of your loss. I know he will be truly missed.
Beverly Hicks Shambree

I am so sorry for your loss

To the family of my dear classmate I offer my condolences. Look to the Lord for strength and comfort. Classmate Jacqueline Lampley Johnson. Class of '68.

May the Lord give the Thurman family peace that surpasses all understanding during their time of grief and beyond. May God bless and keep you is my prayer. Frances Myles Jones

To Nikita and the Thurman Family. My sincere condolences and prayers to you and your family. May God's love continue to comfort you.
Dwayne Perkins

The entire Thompson Family wish to express our deepest sympathy and prayers to the Thurman Family and Loved Ones. May God continue to keep the Entire Thurman Family in his Arms and Care. James truly loved his family, children and especially his grandchildren. James was both my Isabel Elementary School and Jim Hill HS Classmate. Rest in Peace. Lonzie and Tina Thompson

Thinking of you and your family as you celebrate the life of your loved one. May your happy memories give you peace and comfort during this challenging time. Sending condolences and prayers to the Thurman Family. Kristi Gary-Williams & Family

To the Thurman Family, I offer my deepest condolences and prayers. May you feel God's arms around you. Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4. Dana Young| HUD OIG

To my Thurman family, I offer my deepest condolences prayer in this time. Uncle James will be truly missed Rest in Heaven.

Words cannot express how saddened we are to hear of your passing. Thank you for always considering Von to be your son that you never had. I will always and forever cherish the oh so many memories that we shared. We will keep the beloved family in our prayers. Mable & Von Horton

My condolences to the Thurman family Geraldine Funchess

James, my baby brother, I love you so dearly. We have shared so much together and talked about a lot of nothing. I will miss you with all my heart. Sleep my darling baby brother and May God accept you in His kingdom. I love you and going to miss you wholeheartedly. Your only sister.

To the Thurman family, I offer my deepest condolences and prayers. May the love God rest upon each of during this time. The Donaldson Family.

To the Thurman family and friends, I offer my deepest condolences and prayers. May the love and precious memories you shared give comfort and make your hearts smile. Jackie Vaughn Butler

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

Westhaven Memorial Funeral Home, Inc. | MS