He was born in Okmulgee, Oklahoma and grew up in Stillwater, Oklahoma. He was a proud graduate of Oklahoma State University, graduating in 1959 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was an active member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. A job opportunity at Conoco brought him to Louisiana as he began his rewarding engineering career. While at Conoco, he earned his Professional Engineer license. He was the Chief Mechanical Engineer and retired early after 34 years of service.
In his early years, Jim loved photography and developing his own film. He enjoyed boating, shrimping, offshore fishing and duck hunting. He always seemed to have a project in progress. He was involved in recreational sports and coached his children’s baseball and softball teams. Jim enjoyed the many years of working with his son on their various race cars and fun times while drag racing. Jim found joy working in his yard, especially growing aloe vera plants. He loved moss hanging from the trees and always ensured he had moss hanging in the large oak tree in his front yard. He looked forward to the annual July 4th vacations that the entire family took together.
Jim was an active member of Westminster Presbyterian Church for 60+ years. He volunteered his time serving as an Elder, Treasurer, Clerk of Session and was on several committees for many years. His dedication and love of his church were unwavering.
He was proceeded in death by his loving wife of 59 years, Kaye Thorne. Survivors include his son Greg Thorne and wife, Theresa of Sulphur; two daughters, Pam Davis and husband, Rick of Moss Bluff; and Julie Misse of Carlyss; seven grandchildren, Amanda Willis (Rob), Austin Thorne (Ali), Ashley Mire (Andrew), Aaron Davis, Stephanie Davis, Hunter Misse and Heather Misse; six great grandchildren, Catherine Thorne, Lilah Thorne, Kara Thorne, Elizabeth Thorne, Waylon Mire and Rilee Mire.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 am, Thursday, February 29, 2024, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 301 Center Circle, Sulphur. Pastors Leslie and Erich Mansell will officiate. The family will receive friends from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at Hixson-Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home and from 9:00 am on Thursday in the church until the time of the service. Interment will be at Mimosa Pines Cemetery South in Carlyss. Pallbearers will be Aaron Davis, Austin Thorne, Hunter Misse, Andrew Mire, Matt Ezernack and Garrett Duhon.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude for the compassionate care and love shown by the entire staff of Sage Oak Assisted Living and Memory Care. They are also thankful for the care provided by Heart of Hospice. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com.
