It is with heavy hearts and profound gratitude for a life well lived that we announce the passing of James Dabney Thurmond, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, who departed this world on August 24, 2026, at the age of 91, after a period of declining health.
Born in 1935 in Alderson, West Virginia, James, affectionately known as Jim, was a beacon of kindness, service and love. Jim was the beloved son of Fredrick and Francis Thurmond, who predeceased him, along with his first wife, Barbara Mallette Thurmond; sisters, Patty Goff and Carolyn Bostic; daughter, Susan Thurmond, and stepdaughter, Sarah Fuller.
He leaves behind a family who adored him: his devoted wife, Sarah Thurmond, with whom he shared 36 beautiful years of marriage. Jim was a loving father to his daughters, Carrice Hice, Linda DeCristofaro (Joe) and Suzi, and a caring stepfather to Sarah’s children, DaWayne and David Keefer. He was the proud grandfather of Zachary DeCristofaro (Ashley), Eric White (Danielle), Carly Mann (Jason), George Keefer, Andrew Fuller (Amber) and Dianna Fuller; granddad or grandpa to 15 great-grandchildren, including Deborah Nyla Robinson, who held a special place in his heart.
Jim’s life was a testament of dedication and service. A graduate of Alderson High School, he attended Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice School and served honorably in the Marine Corps Reserves from 1955 until 1961. His career spanned 44 years at the shipyard, where he was known for his reliability and steadfastness. Outside of work, Jim was a man of great generosity and community spirit. He prepared meals for the homeless, prepared and served lunches for patients at Virginia Oncology, and volunteered at a camp for children affected by AIDS/HIV. As a member of the Denbigh Lions Club, he contributed to numerous projects, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to making the world a better place.
Jim’s faith was a cornerstone of his life. He was an active member of St. George’s Episcopal Church and as a dedicated Cursillista. He found joy in serving his spiritual community. His laughter was infectious, and he cherished the simple pleasures of life: sunsets, the rustle of leaves in the wind, and the thrill of adventure, whether riding a jet ski at Lake Gaston or enjoying a roller coaster at Busch Gardens.
In honor of Jim’s generous spirit, the family kindly requests that donations be made to St. George’s Episcopal Church, the American Heart Association, or Alzheimer’s Disease Research.
As we remember Jim, let us smile and find comfort in the legacy of love and service he leaves behind. His gentle spirit and unwavering dedication to others will be forever missed and cherished.
