James P. Thurston

Website Info: James Paul Thurston Born December 31, 1928 Chattanooga, TN Died July 24, 2014 at home. Proceeded in death by his mother Mamie Jane Million, his beloved wife Betty Hyman Thurston, his granddaughter Dacey Renee Sibley and his eldest daughter Lynn Beth Spears. He is survived in death by his twin daughters Nancy Thurston Channell (David) and Deborah ET Sibley (Timothy) and his son Michael Timothy Thurston (Vickie), granddaughters Tracey Nicole Thurston, Nancilyn Katrina Sibley and Rachael Spears and grandsons Michael Kent Spears Jr, Timothy Avard Sibley Jr, and Daniel J. Hamilton. Jim was a charter member and Deacon of Christ Presbyterian Church of Largo. He graduated from Maryville College Maryville, TN BS Mathematics, University of Florida, MS Physical Education and University of Florida PHD candidate in Educational Administration 1969-1971. Jim served in the US Navy 1951-1955 (Veteran of Korean Conflict) and retired from the Naval Reserve as Lieutenant Commander. He began teaching 1956 (internship Largo High School), Oak Grove Jr High (Teacher and Basketball & Track coach), Pinellas County Teachers’ Association Salary Negotiator, NEA Teacher contract negotiator, Tyrone Jr High (Teacher and Track coach), Dixie Hollins High (Teacher and Cross Country & Track coach), Clearwater High (Teacher and Cross Country, Track and Inaugural Girls Basketball coach), Countryside High until retirement in 1989 (Teacher and Cross Country & Track coach). Florida State Cross Country Champion team 1985, National High School Cross Country Coach of the Year 1988, Inducted to the Maryville College Sports Hall of Fame 2004. Jim was a lifelong golfer and sports enthusiast. He loved traveling including attending two Summer Olympics 1980 in Los Angeles and 1996 in Atlanta and annual trips to the Masters in Augusta, GA. In lieu of flowers Memorial Contributions may be given to the American Heart Association, 11207 Blue Heron Blvd. North, St Petersburg, FL 33716.Memorial service to be held Friday, August 1, 2014 at Christ Presbyterian Church 7pm with graveside service open to the public Saturday August 2, 2014 at 2pm Dunedin Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by Serenity Funeral Home, 13401 Indian Rocks Road, Largo, FL 33774, Phone # 727-562-2080. Condolences may be offered at www.serenityfuneralhomelargo.com.