John Brodie Thurman Jr, age 88, of North Little Rock, Arkansas went to be with the Lord on Saturday, April 29, 2023. He was born in Little Rock, Arkansas on October 21, 1934 to the late John Brodie Thurman Sr and Celeste Cox-Thurman.
John was a man of many accomplishments. He graduated from North Little Rock High School and went on to complete his bachelor’s degree at Hendrix College in just three years. He continued his education at Vanderbilt University, where he earned his law degree.
In 1958, John returned to North Little Rock, Arkansas, where he embarked on a career as a lawyer that spanned over 50 years. He was a respected member of the legal community, known for his dedication to his clients and his unwavering commitment to justice. But his greatest accomplishment was in his relationships with his friends and family not his professional endeavors.
John lived a life full of love, laughter, and endless stories. He had a deep love for his family and friends followed closely by his love of good food, good music, and fast cars. John was the foundation of his family, bringing everyone together with his warm and welcoming nature. He was a man who loved big and never met a stranger, always ready to make new friends and share a good laugh.
His passing has left a deep void in the lives of those who knew him, but his legacy of kindness, humor, and unwavering love will live on forever. In his 88 years, John lived such a full and wonderful life and was surrounded by so many who knew him, respected him, and loved him. He had a way of making everyone feel so loved and cherished, and his infectious laughter brought joy to everyone around him. His family will always treasure the stories that he shared with them, and he will live on forever in their fond memories of him.
John was an inspiration to all who knew him. He lived a life that taught us the importance of family, love, and laughter. His memory will be forever cherished, and he will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
John is preceded in death by his parents; wife Jo Ann Thurman; daughter Martha Grace Hogan; and daughter-in-law Angie Thurman.
He leaves behind his children Barbara Anderson (Charlie), John B. Thurman (Tracy), Robert B. Thurman, and Philip W. Thurman (Becca); grandchildren Nickie Galloway (Rob), Mark Thurman (Ashlynn), Bryan Thurman (Christina), Daniel Thurman (Kaylee), Laura McElyea (Dustin), Judy Lauderdale (Spencer), Matthew Hogan (Candace), Casandra Nichole Davis (Alex), and Kayla Ann Newman (Michael); great-grandchildren Jackson Galloway, Collin Galloway, Grace Galloway, Adalynn Thurman, Willow Thurman, William Thurman, Kayleigh Thurman, Katelyn Thurman, Bryson Thurman, Lola Thurman, Leighton Hogan, Everly Hogan, Aaron Breshears, Hayden Murphy, Cadence Davis, Chloe Newman, and Parker Newman; sister Celeste Thurman; niece Linda Warren; and many more friends and extended family.
A visitation will be held on Monday, May 15, 2023 from 5:00-7:00pm in the Chapel of A Natural State Funeral Service located at 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076.
Memorials can be made in John’s honor to Pathfinders Inc. in Jacksonville, Arkansas.
Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service & Crematory 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com
17 Comments
great friend ,
I met John in the 70’s when he became my Dad’s corporate Attorney. John, Bill Reimer,and Dad bought a place at Toad Suck Arkansas for the summer’s to come. We water skied, swam, fish fries, you name it. It was a good time for all of us kids . We will miss him greatly.
So sorry for your loss, my prayers are with family
He was a wonderful person! So sorry for your loss! Prayers for comfort!
Philip,
I am so sorry for the loss of your dad. He was a wonderful man. My prayers go out to your family for comfort and God’s grace on your hearts.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Great friend from Hendrix college days. He was married to my good friend from childhood, Coralie. We spent many hours studying in the Hendrix library. A friend to be missed
My sincere ssympathy in the loss of a great friend all the way back to Hendrix college days
What a great guy. Prayers for all.
I remember John from when,I worked in public accounting in the ‘80’s. We had many NLR clients. He was a very nice man: always jovial with good stories. My sincere condolences.
I loved and respected John. He was a blessing to everyone he met. His orchids encouraged me to love the beauty of the delicate but beautiful flower. My deepest sympathy to his family. Annette Delgado
Learning of John’s passing a couple of days ago caught me by complete surprise. I extend my deepest sympathies to all of his family. John was a dear friend. We have had so many cherished moments together, recreationally and professionally. His every extended hand of support to me will be forever remembered as I labored through my life.
I am so sorry to hear about this. Mr. Thurman was always so nice to me and he always had great stories to tell and a wonderful laugh. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I am so sorry to hear about this. Mr. Thurman was always so nice to me and he always had great stories to tell and a wonderful laugh. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Family:
Mr. Thurman was a great man, very good atty. and family friend.
A defense atty. for Continental Trailways for years, and for NLR Water. Used by the City of NLR for various legal needs,
Mr. Thurman offered back in the mid 70s to write a letter of recommendation for me to the U of A Law School in Fayetteville and the UALR Law School. My dad passed years ago and my mom but I’ll miss occasionally seeing or talking to John as well as my sister.
My you all find comfort in the Lord in the wake of John’s passing.
I just learned of John’s passing today, and am so very sorry for the loss of him. What a joyful soul he had, and one always felt better & happier after spending time with him. John was our family attorney, but mostly our very dear friend; he will be greatly missed.
I am so sorry to be behind, but I just now found out about John’s passing. He and Jo Ann were both very loved at EGP. I loved sitting and talking to him about horses. Sending up lots of prayers for the family.
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