James Ingham Thurston, 88, of Nobleboro, died peacefully at home on Feb. 19.
Born in Worcester, Mass., the son of Laura and Harold Thurston, Jim graduated from Classical High School and was an alumnus of Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
He worked and raised his family in Worcester, Mass., and in 1983, retired to Damariscotta with his wife Evie.
He was a member and past president of the National Exchange Club of Worcester, Mass., and the Tatnuck Island Club; a member of the First Congregational Church in Worcester, Mass.; the Quinsigamond Masonic Lodge; and was active in Alpha Tau Omega fraternity and the Boy Scouts of America, serving on the Troop Committee for Tatnuck Troop 3.
He served with distinction as a Company Commander under General Patton during the Battle of the Bulge in WWII, where he was awarded the Bronze Star.
Jim was an avid outdoorsman, and enjoyed hunting and fishing with his sons and friends and walking the woods with his bird dogs.
He was predeceased by his wife of nearly 50 years, Evelyn Moore of Waterville, who died in 1993; and his brother, Philip M. Thurston.
He leaves his wife of 13 years, Jean D. Thurston; daughter, Gale T. Grindstaff and husband Terry of Alexandria, Va.; sons, James Jr. and wife Cynthia of Toledo, Ohio, and Roy W. of Damariscotta; grandchildren, Rebecca Hartsock, Megan Hyman, Amanda Grindstaff and James III; brother, Roger T. Thurston of Eastham, Mass.; six stepchildren; eight step-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
Memorial service to celebrate his life 10 a.m., Sat., Feb. 24 at the Nobleboro Baptist Church.
Burial will be private.
Contributions in Jim’s memory may be made to the Miles Home Health Care, 40 Belvedere Rd., Damariscotta, ME 04543.
Arrangements are entrusted to Strong Funeral Home, Damariscotta.