John Thurman

John Darr "JD" Thurman, 78 of Battle Creek, passed away on June 11, 2021 at home with his wife by his side. JD was born on June 21, 1942 in Severville, TN to Elder J and Gladys E (Houston) Thurman. JD started working for Michigan Carton in 1961, as a paper puller. In 1968, he was called to serve for the US Army and stationed in Vietnam as a truck driver. When JD returned home in 1970, he continued working for Michigan Carton. In 1978, while working full time for St. Regis, he took Millwright classes at KCC, after 4 years JD received his certification and worked as a Millwright for St. Regis, Waldorf, and Rock-Tenn, retiring in 2006 after 43 years of service. On December 23, 2015, JD married his long time friend, Rosemary Jacox-Hook, in Battle Creek, MI. JD always had a smile on his face, an open door policy, and could not say no to anyone who asked for help. He loved being outdoors whether it was feeding the cranes and other birds that would come into the yard or just sitting looking over the lake but would prefer being in a boat fishing. He also enjoyed hunting, scuba diving, going to the casino, garage sales, country rides, and playing pool. JD is survived by his wife Rosemary Jacox-Thurman; sons: John E Thurman and Matthew Fletcher; daughters: Sherry Thurman, Della (Will) Simmons, Jami (Tracy) Hale, and Pauline (Jesse) Messer; sister: Billie Mainstone; brothers: James Thurman and Richard (Sue) Thurman; 13 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, and his fur babies Snoopy and Sassy. Preceding him in death are both parents; son: Jerry Thurman; sister: Della Thurman; brothers: Ron Thurman, Elbert "Jack" Thurman, Terry Thurman, and Dannie Thurman. An Interment service will be held at Fort Custer National Cemetery on Thursday, July 1, 2021 at 2:30pm. The family wishes to invite family and friends to join them for dinner at the P.N.A., in Battle Creek, following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. Jude Research Hospital.