John David Thurman, Sr.

John D. Thurman, Sr., 64, passed away on Monday, June 3, 2013, at his home in Jacksonville, Florida. John was born on May 15, 1949, in Jacksonville, Florida, to Sara Roberts Thurman and Jack Thurman. John attended high school at Wolfson Senior High in Jacksonville, Florida. After graduation, he followed in his father’s footsteps, working in various capacities for Haverty’s Furniture Company for many years. After leaving the employ of Haverty’s, John worked for various companies in the field of retail sales. Later in life, John decided to further his education and enrolled in college courses at FCCJ. In 1992, he received a commendation from the president of FCCJ, Charles Spence, on his outstanding academic performance for the spring term due to his attainment of a 4.0 grade-point average.

John will be remembered by his friends and family for many things, the least of which was his extremely good heart. He was very creative and artistic. He was the consummate dreamer. He was very fashion-conscious from an extremely young age and was considered a “snappy” dresser. A dear friend once said that he always looked as if he had just stepped out of GQ. Last but not least, he will be remembered as a practical joker, especially by his siblings, whom he loved to tease. John had many beloved pets throughout his lifetime. Most recently, he had several cats that he loved dearly which brought him immense pleasure and provided him with loyal companionship, especially during the last few years of his life.

The home in which John was raised as a child was located on a lake, and there was nothing he enjoyed more than getting into his small boat with his cat, Tiger, aboard and paddling out into the middle of the lake where they would spend countless happy hours together while fishing. In fact, he requested that his ashes be strewn on this lake that held so many fond memories for him.

John is survived by his son, whom he adored, John D. Thurman, Jr.; his son’s spouse, Helen Thurman; his grandson, John D. Thurman, III; his brother, James Thurman; and his sister, Francine Thurman.

Cremation has taken place. No services are scheduled at this time.

A Dignified Alternative-Hatcher Cremations (904) 260-2522