James R. Thurkettle

James R. Thurkettle, age 85, of The Villages, Florida, passed away at home surrounded by family on Friday, December 14, 2018. He was preceded in death by his two sons, Randy and Michael. James will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 65 years, Shirley (Heibel); children, Rob (Joni), Vickie Albin (special friend, Scott Barrett), Rick (Peg), Ronnie (Wendy), Roger Thurkettle; sister, Shirley (Don) Knusten; 11 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren. The family will celebrate the life of James on Sunday, January 13, 2019, at 1 p.m. in the Memories Room at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville), 4145 Chicago Drive SW. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Cornerstone Foundation (Hospice), 2445 Lane Park Road, Tavares, Florida, 32778.