James "Jim" Thurmes

James "Jim" Thurmes, Sr., 80, of Hastings, formerly Cloquet, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer at home with family by his side on May 12, 2022. He was born on January 21, 1942 to Henry Nicholas and Mary Margaret (Frost) Thurmes in St. Paul, Minnesota. Jim was raised on the family farm in Denmark Township, which now is part of the Afton State Park. He attended school and graduated with the class of 1960 from Hastings High School. Jim Joined the US Navy Reserves after high school, and traveled the United States while active in the military. On June 27, 1964 he married Mary Adams at the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in St. Croix Beach. and together raised their 4 children in Hastings. Jim worked for 3M for 36 and a half years in building 34, retiring as a foreman in the department. After retiring, Jim fulfilled his dream of living on the lake in Cloquet. He enjoyed playing cards with friends and neighbors, was a member of the Moose Lodge and loved weekends with family and long stays with the grandchildren at the lake. He worked in his woodshed making furniture and fixing things. Jim liked fishing, hunting, feeding the birds and watching his westerns! He volunteered in Cloquet with various organizations for many years. He had a heart of gold throughout his life towards everyone he knew, had a wonderful sense of humor and always put others first. He was a hero to his family, and he will be greatly missed. James Anthony is survived by his spouse of 57 years, Mary; children, James Anthony (Wendy) Thurmes, Timothy John (Keri) Thurmes, Tammy Lynn (Jerry) Reis, and Tracy Marie (Tim) Nelson; grandchildren, Jason Thurmes, Chelsea Thurmes, Jacob Thurmes, Brittany (Ben), Ashley (Brian), Joshua (Kyra) Reis, Michael Reis, Logan Nelson; 5 great-grandchildren and 2 on the way; siblings, Raymond (Denise) Thurmes, Peggy (Jeff) Rother and Dennis (Christie) Thurmes; his furry friends, Piper and Leo and many loved nieces, nephews other relatives and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Tony and Ronnie Thurmes. A Celebration of Life service will be 11:00 am Thursday, May 26 at the Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel in Hastings, Minnesota with visitation two hours prior. Military Honors will follow the service. A private interment will be in the Evergreen Cemetery in Afton. Arrangements are with the Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel.