James E. (Bud) Thurmond

James E. (Bud) Thurmond, born May 27, 1934 in Bradenton, Florida, died June 20, 2020 in Sarasota, Florida. Bud is survived by his loving wife of 60 years and best friend Helen (Kaufman) Thurmond, son Doug (Denise) Thurmond, daughters Cindy (Michael) Brown and Kristi (Dwayne) Geib, grandchildren Rachel Thurmond, Joshua James Thurmond, Ashley (Mike) Hornberger, Melissa (Collin) Benyo, and Gregory James Christo, and great-grandchildren Sophia and Carter James Hornberger. Preceded in death by his mother, Rosa Lee (Smith) Schearing, father Wesley E. Thurmond, beloved stepfather William Cooper, sister Nancy Thurmond and brothers W. Cleveland Thurmond and Danny Cooper. Bud graduated from Manatee High School and served in the Navy, where he received training in electronic engineering. He joined Electro Mechanical Research (EMR) upon his discharge, where along with other projects, he designed the PCM decommutators used for the Telstar Communications Satellite, the Nimbus Weather Satellite, and the Gemini Manned Space Program. He trained users on sites of the NASA Manned Space Flight Tracking Network. Bud also met his lovely wife Helen at EMR and fell in love. As EMR was purchased by several companies such as Fairchild, Schlumberger and Loral, Bud moved into their export marketing division, where he traveled worldwide, developing business associates and gaining lifelong friends all over the world. Bud was known as much for his outgoing, fun-loving nature as for his knowledge of electronic systems. Helen often accompanied him on business trips, and they traveled extensively throughout Europe and Asia even after Bud’s retirement. Favorite destinations included Germany, Austria and Italy, where they were able to visit dear friends. After retirement, Bud and Helen purchased a second home in Rogersville, TN, a city where more dear friendships were made. The Tennessee house was the place for wonderful extended family get-togethers and summers with the grandchildren, days spent fishing and running around the property in the golf cart. Bud and Helen also traveled with the grandkids to Key West, Sanibel Island and Orlando. Bud loved his family and the grandchildren will always remember these times spent together and how much Grandpa loved them. Bud joined Bay Shore Mennonite church when he met Helen and was a faithful churchgoer and Christian all his life. He served as deacon and elder and played on the church fast pitch softball team. Bud studied the Bible extensively and taught many Sunday School and Bible study groups. His reading from Luke of the story of Jesus’ birth was a highlight of every family Christmas. Bud and Helen’s most recent church family, Bethel Mennonite, has been very special to both of them. Bud cared deeply for his family and friends. He taught us to be honest, to stand up for what we believe in, and to have compassion for others. He also taught us the right way to enjoy a great steak. He loved life; he had a smile for everyone he met, and often a joke, funny story, or even a limerick or two. He lived his life with purpose, in the way he wished, and also humbly and in service to others. A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 27, at 2:00 pm at Bethel Mennonite Church, 2985 Bethel Lane in Sarasota. Wearing of masks at the service is kindly requested by the family. Committal and burial will be private. Memorial donations may be made to Bethel Mennonite Church’s Change for a Dollar benevolent fund.

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James E. (Bud) Thurmond

May 27, 1934 - June 20, 2020