James (Jim) Ayton Thurman went to be with the Lord on Sunday July 15, 2018 while play cards with friends at the Crossings at Falls Run facility where he lived. Born in 1937 in Washington D.C., Jim spent most of his adult life living in Maryland. He and Janice, his wife of 53 years, moved to Fredericksburg, Virginia in 2013 in order to be closer to their children. Jim met Janice at a youth group during the time he attended the Thomas Ranken Patton Masonic School for Boys in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania. Married in 1962, they settled in Maryland where Janice worked as a nurse and he worked as a Senior Procurement Officer with the Prince George's County Government. Upon their retirement, they spent much of their time traveling the country and doting on their two grandchildren.

He was well known for his infectious smile and wisecracking jokes, always attempting to spread a little joy wherever he went. He was young at heart, enjoyed serving others, loved his church and often combined those things together while helping with the youth of Hope Presbyterian Church.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Janice. He is survived by his daughter, Jodi Purks (David Purks); his son James (Jim) Thurman (Karen Thurman); and his two grandchildren, Samantha Samson (Charlie Samson) and Sheryl Purks. There will be a memorial service held at Hope Presbyterian Church, 11121 Leavells Rd., Fredericksburg, Va. on Wednesday, July 25, 2018 at 7 p.m. Refreshments will follow. The family asks, in lieu of flowers, that contributions be made to the Youth Department at Hope Presbyterian Church.