James O. Thornburg, 84, a resident of the Maria Center at Ancilla Domini, passed away at 8:53 a.m. Saturday, May 14, 2011, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center – Plymouth Campus after enduring a chronic illness for many years.
A lifetime area resident, Jim was born the son of Homer O. and Ethel E. (Helterbrand) Thornburg on March 17, 1927, in Walkerton, Ind. He graduated from Grovertown High School in 1946. Jim served in the U.S. Army as an occupational troop in Japan following the end of World War II. He returned home and was introduced to Irene Catherine Sobinski, and on June 26, 1949, in Plymouth, they were joined in marriage that spanned 55 wonderful years together before Irene’s passing Sept. 22, 2004. In 1986, after 38 years of service, he retired from Bendix Corporation in South Bend. He was a member of Plymouth Church of the Brethren since 1966, had served on the board of the Marshall County Mental Health Association and was involved with the Second Wind Support Group of South Bend.
Jim was first and foremost a family man as the father of four. He loved being involved with their many activities including scouting and coaching Little League. He enjoyed part-time farming, gardening, wood carving and watching birds. As his family continued to grow, he was able to witness and participate in many of his grandchildren’s activities and shared with them his joy of mushroom hunting and fishing.
Jim experienced the loss of two children: son John E. on Jan. 1, 1979, and daughter Nancy J. Martin on Feb. 25, 2006. Two brothers, Calvin and Eugene Thornburg, and one sister, Evelyn Eyrich, also preceded him in death.
Jim’s surviving family members include his son, Mark (Julie) Thornburg of Zionsville; daughter Carol (Mark) Jeffirs of Argos; grandchildren Stephanie (Matthew Purdeu) Martin of Terre Haute, Julia (Jeremiah) Hosch of Hobart, Amelia (Todd) Hooper of Goshen, Nathaniel Jeffirs of Wooster, Ohio, Benjamin, Timothy, Abigail and Alexandra Jeffirs, all of Argos, and Maxwell Thornburg of Zionsville; great-grandchildren Danyelle, Sara, Hannah, Caleb, Brittany (Andy), Linda, Jason, Taylor and Leigh; and great-great-granddaughters Bryley and Hannah Lynn. His sister, Ruth (Dennis) Zent of Nappanee; sister-in-law Phyllis Thornburg of Plymouth; and Nancy’s companion, Nicholas Hudak of Valparaiso survive, as well. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 18, at Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan St., Plymouth. The service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 19, at Church of the Brethren, 1130 N. Michigan St., Plymouth, with one hour of visitation prior, beginning at 10 a.m. Pastor Ruth Yoder will officiate with the presentation of the flag by Commander Julian Keiser of the Plymouth American Legion Post 27.
Memorial gifts may be given in Jim’s name to the church; the Center for Hospice Care, 112 S. Center St., Plymouth, IN 46563; or the Cancer Association of Marshall County, 9739 Sunnyside Drive, Plymouth, IN 46563.
BARB ABEL says
Jim was my best buddy from the Maria Center. I work at Lindenwood Retreat Center.
Now he is a peace with no more breathing troubles. I wished I had the chance to tell him good-bye.
Blessings to the whole family.
Linda Zeider says
Carol I was saddened to read of your Dad\’s passing. We do have to remember though that his suffering is over and he is now with your Mom again. It\’s always hard when our parents pass on. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Sr. Catherine Schwemer, PHJC says
All my prayers and sympathy go to Jim\’s family. I have come to know Jim over the past few years and have grown to care for him deeply. I know that God has Jim in His tender embrace and at long last Jim can rest peacefully. Well done good and faithful servant of God and rest in your heavenly reward.
Chris Jeffirs Greig says
Carol, Mark and Family, Bob and I were so sorry to hear the news of Jim\’s passing. I\’ll always remember him as one of my first coaches. What a special man, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Judy Skarbeck says
Carol, Mark and family,
I was so sorry to hear about your dad. I always enjoyed talking with him in the Maria Center dining room while I was there visiting my parents. He spoke so highly of his family – he was so proud of all of you. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
God Bless,
Judy (Hiss) Skarbeck
BARB ABEL says
Jim was my best buddy from the Maria Center. I work at Lindenwood Retreat Center.
Now he is a peace with no more breathing troubles. I wished I had the chance to tell him good-bye.
Blessings to the whole family.
Linda Zeider says
Carol I was saddened to read of your Dad\’s passing. We do have to remember though that his suffering is over and he is now with your Mom again. It\’s always hard when our parents pass on. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Sr. Catherine Schwemer, PHJC says
All my prayers and sympathy go to Jim\’s family. I have come to know Jim over the past few years and have grown to care for him deeply. I know that God has Jim in His tender embrace and at long last Jim can rest peacefully. Well done good and faithful servant of God and rest in your heavenly reward.
Chris Jeffirs Greig says
Carol, Mark and Family, Bob and I were so sorry to hear the news of Jim\’s passing. I\’ll always remember him as one of my first coaches. What a special man, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Judy Skarbeck says
Carol, Mark and family,
I was so sorry to hear about your dad. I always enjoyed talking with him in the Maria Center dining room while I was there visiting my parents. He spoke so highly of his family – he was so proud of all of you. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
God Bless,
Judy (Hiss) Skarbeck