James (Jim) Russell Thrasher, 73, Newnan, GA passed away Saturday, April 16, 2022. Jim was born September 28, 1948 in Wenatchee, WA to James M. and Margaret Thrasher. He retired from the Army after 28 years of dedication to his country. He wed the love of his life, Wanda Thrasher, on November 1, 1983 in Colorado Springs, CO.
Jim served the majority of his Army career as an educator, with additional service in Armor, Infantry, Ops Training, and Personnel Management. He developed young leaders as an ROTC cadre-member at Northern Arizona University and Gonzaga University, as the Professor of Military Science at Central Missouri State University (now University of Central Missouri), and as an instructor at the Command and General Staff College. After he retired from the military in 2002, Jim continued his role as an educator developing curriculum and teaching graduate-level organizational leadership at a military-affiliated university. He impacted countless leaders to an extent we will never know.
Jim dedicated much of his time to interests such as adult education, hunting, 1800s era photography, collecting antiques and antique vehicles, learning about history, international travel, and constructing useful tools or structures for himself or others. He had a knack for holding conversations with anyone and everyone. He eagerly learned the interests of others while enthusiastically sharing his own. Jim’s kind eyes exuded a warmth known to many. He took on new challenges without hesitation and enjoyed the process of learning much more than the end result. He shared every lesson learned along the way with those around him if there was a possibility it would make their lives easier.
Jim lived every day for his family by finding ways to instill joy in his children and grandchildren. On any given day he could be found building a surprise summer camp for his grandchildren, helping his children with a project, planning a vow renewal with his wife, or traveling to visit and support extended family and friends. Jim was always available to his family no matter where they were in the world, and he always knew what to say and do in times of need. He will be sorely missed by family and friends who struggle to imagine life without him. However, he often said, “If you don’t know how to do something, just begin. You will figure it out.”
Please join Jim’s family and friends at Veteran’s Memorial Park in Newnan, GA on Saturday, May 14, 2022 at 3:00 PM to begin the journey of figuring it out together. Please click on the following link for details of the memorial and to RSVP: http://evite.me/92uzGjXDS8.
If you would like to share a photograph and/or fond memory of Jim, please click on the following link (no account is necessary): https://www.dropbox.com/request/WDBZn5N3jEnZlRnGbdVp. Alternatively, you can email them to Ben Simco at [email protected]. If you have any issues with either link, please call Brinton Thrasher at 321-604-9447.
Jim is preceded in death by his mother, Margaret; father, James; and daughter, Shannon Stafford.
He is survived by his wife, Wanda Thrasher; children and their spouses, Ben Simco (Amy), Brinton Thrasher (Joanne), Kalon Thrasher, and Kyla Thrasher (Royce); grandchildren, Patrick Thrasher, Derek Stafford, Sedona Simco, Senoia Simco, Russell Kilgore, Adelaide Kilgore, and Juliet Thrasher; and siblings, Martin Thrasher, David Thrasher, and Ann Horrell.
If you wish to donate to a charity in his name, the family suggests donating to any organization that supports education or cures for cancer. If you wish to send flowers/cards, you may send them to Wanda Thrasher at 466 Arbor Springs Parkway, Newnan, GA 30265.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.carmichaelhemperleypeachtree.com for the Thrasher family.
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