Captain John D. Thurman was born March 16‚ 1955‚ in Pocahontas‚ Mississippi. He was the seventh of eight children. The Lord called him on Wednesday‚ October 21‚ 2009‚ at the age of 54.

John graduated from Sumner Hill High School in 1974. After graduating‚ he joined the United States Navy and served three years of active duty and two years reserve. John’s career as a firefighter began in March 1988 with the Clinton Fire Department in Clinton‚ Mississippi. John provided 21 years of dedicated service until his death.

John had a wonderful quality of being a great communicator with both old and young. He was a born leader‚ and that showed in how he led his life on and off the job. If you wanted an honest answer to your question‚ he was the one to ask. He put the Creator first in his life always and walked a path that was pleasing to the Lord.

A country boy at heart‚ he was always on the tractor working in the garden or helping neighbors with their gardens. He raised beagles and loved to see them run. At the fire station it was not an uncommon sight to see him helping the youngsters with their bicycles when they had problems or airing their tires.

John Thurman was a family man and a treasure to his family. He always took time with his family. He was a man among men. He was a light and guide to his wife and children. He leaves to cherish his memories a loving wife‚ Joe Ann Thurman; one son‚ John Obadiah Thurman; and four loving daughters‚ Rachel‚ Bridgette‚ Octavia Marie‚ and Rebekah Thurman.