James B. “Jim” Thurston, age 73 years, of Great Bend, Kan., passed away at Great Bend on Saturday morning, Sept. 26, 2020. Jim was born on June 16, 1947 at Pueblo, Colo. to Harry E. and Frances Marie (Smith) Thurston. He graduated from Wichita County High School in Leoti, Kan. in 1965, and graduated from Pittsburg State College at Pittsburg, Kan. in 1970 with a Bachelor of Science Degree. Jim was united in marriage with Jolene K. Berning on Aug. 5, 1967 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Marienthal, Kan. He worked for Goodyear Tire Company for many years and also worked for Dowell Oilfield Services in Hays, Kan. for several more years. Jim was a member of Prince of Peace Parish at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Great Bend, Kan. and was a 3rd Degree Knights of Columbus Council 862 Member at Great Bend, and also a member of the Pittsburg State University Alumni Association. Jim enjoyed gardening, NASCAR Racing, getting to spend time with his grandchildren, and spending time at the coffee shop with friends.  

Survivors include his wife, Jolene K. Thurston of Great Bend, Kan.; two sons, Jason (and Shari) Thurston of Overland Park, Kan. and Jarrod Thurston of Great Bend, Kan.; one daughter, Janeé (and Jesse) Bernal of Wichita, Kan.; five grandchildren, Jacey Thurston, Braydon Thurston, JohnPaul Bernal, Gabriella Bernal, and Jude Bernal; one brother, Harold Thurston of Dighton, Kan.; and numerous nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law Joe Berning; and a brother-in-law Bruce Berning.  

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Great Bend, Kan. with Father Don Bedore officiating. Interment will be at 3:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Marienthal, Kan. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday at Charter Funerals in Great Bend, Kan. with the family greeting friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and a Knights of Columbus Rosary at 7 p.m.  The family suggests that Memorial Donations be made to Jim’s wishes in care of the family. Online condolences may be left for the family and a complete obituary notice may be viewed at http://www.chartergreatbend.com. 

Funeral arrangements provided by

Charter Funerals 

2115 Washington St. 

Great Bend, KS  67530 

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Sept. 30, 2020