Jim Thurman

Mr. James E. (Jim) Thurman, age 77 of Resaca, died on May 5, 2014 at Gordon Hospital following a brief illness. He was born in Bartow County on November 8, 1936, son of the late Grover and Emma Alice Gregory Thurman. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, G.C. Thurman; a son-in-law, Philip Gray; and a brother-in-law, Douglas Cowart.

Jim was a musician, playing guitar with his band, "The North GA Drifters". He and the band played in many fund-raisers, and he was always willing to help others. He was a member of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church near Rydal, GA.

He leaves behind his wife of 52 years, Margaret Baldwin Thurman of the home; a son and daughter-in-law, Ricky and Linda Thurman of Calhoun; two daughters, Tammy Thurman of Calhoun, and Shelia Gray of Resaca; a sister, Willie Bell Cowart of Calhoun; and Ronnie Gregory and his wife Carolynn, who was like a son to Jim. Grandchildren surviving are Alice Nicole Simerly, David Blake Simerly, James William Thurman, Christopher Brady Thurman, Andrew Jacob Thurman, David Gray, Anthony Gray, Crystal Gray, Jeremy Taylor, Jason Taylor, and Jamie Taylor; and great-grandchildren, Bailee Alexa Harris, Braxton Samuel Harris, Toby and Charlie Shea, and Haley and Shanna Taylor. Other survivors include special friends, Richard Davis, Max Dutton, and Billy Smith; and other relatives.

Services to celebrate the life of Mr. James E. (Jim) Thurman will be held Thursday, May 8th at 2:00 PM from the chapel of Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home, with Rev. Jimmie Timms and Rev. James Taylor officiating. Interment will follow in the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church Cemetery near Rydal, GA. Active pallbearers will include Bobby Thurman, Ray Thurman, Terry Baldwin, Michael Baldwin, Billy Smith, and Jason Taylor. Honorary pallbearers are members of the North GA Drifters, and include Max Dutton, Richard Davis, Jim Gregory, and Ronnie Gregory.

The Thurman family will receive friends at Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home Wednesday from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM.

Online condolences may be left at www.maxbrannonandsons.com. Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home is directing the funeral services for Mr. James E. (Jim) Thurman, age 77 of Resaca.