Jimmy Loiel Thrasher

NORTHPORT – Jimmy Loiel Thrasher, age 70, of Northport, died May 11, 2016, at home. Services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, May 14, 2016, at Sunset Funeral Home with Bro. Jerry Montgomery officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park with Sunset Funeral Home, a Dignity Memorial Provider, directing. Visitation will be today, May 13, 2016, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the funeral home.

He was survived by his devoted wife of 50 years, Geraldine Thrasher; his daughter, Cindy Sexton (Ricky Phillips); granddaughters, Brooke Sexton (Chris Wilkins), and Taylor Sexton; great-grandchildren, Kayson and Rylan; sister, Gloyce Skelton; sisters-in-law, Murel Jean McCool, Kaytherine Howard, Jo Howard and Pauline Howard; brothers-in-law, Jackie Skelton, Leon Howard and Colonel Linden Howard; nieces and nephews and other relatives who held a special place in his heart.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Josh and Willie Thrasher.

Jim grew up in Brownville when times were simpler and neighbors were like family. After attending school at Brownville and Montgomery, he graduated from Northside High School. He worked at the pole yard until he secured a job as a firefighter for the City of Northport---a job that he loved. On his off shifts, he continued to work at Brownville for many years. His career as a firefighter culminated in his achieving the rank of lieutenant and with 42 years of service. In 2003, he was selected as Firefighter of the Year for his dedication and his mentoring of new hires.

As a young man, Jim was a member of The Sipsey Valley Boys, a blue/grass gospel group which included his dad and his two uncles. Jim played rhythm on the spoons. He enjoyed hunting, playing softball, fishing and putting out set hooks on Sipsey River.

As a young adult, Jim was stricken with a life-altering disease called Huntington’s which eventually made normal activities like walking and swallowing difficult and sometimes impossible. After the disease progressed to the point that he could no longer do his job, he retired, but he always held his fellow firefighters in the highest esteem. Recently, a group of them financed and built a handicapped-accessible ramp at his house, and he was honored, proud, and appreciative of their efforts.

Through all of his pain and trials, we know he must have suffered much, but he never complained. Regardless of how sick he was, he always said he was fine. Most recently as he became bedridden, his greatest joys were visits from family and friends, the antics of his grandchildren, and his wife’s delicious home cooking.

Pallbearers will be Jimmie Davis, Jerry Pruitt, J.K. Bailey and fellow firefighters

Honorary Pallbearers are Jackie, Veda Ann and David Condra, Bethabara Church, Jimmy and Leona Carroll, Leo and Nancy Turner , Marilyn , Edward, and MatthewThrasher, Jan Wedgeworth, Pat Lynn, Sandy Patterson, Susie and Kent Strickland, Towana Smith, Timbo Sullivan, Dino and Rebecca Shelby, Taylor’s friends Logan Christian and Josie, Brittany Price, Jamie, Drake, and Wes Mansfield, Tim and Hunter Skelton, Katlyne and Cody Collins, Tony and Dana Newman, Jack and Janice Homan, Teresa and Terry Guin, Dean Johnson, faculty and staff of Northside High School, Melvin Winters, George Daryl Thrasher, friends in the Brownville community, Northport Fire Department, Southern Care Hospice, Jessica Smith, Crossroad Ministry and Tuscaloosa Fire and Rescue.

Jimbo, one last thing we’d like to say: The influence you have had won’t ever go away. We look forward, precious friend, till in heaven, we can meet again.