Ronnie Thurman

James Ronald “Ronnie” Thurman 

November 24, 1954-December 13, 2025

Preceded in death by James William “Jim” Thurman and Rosemary Thurman.

Ronnie leaves behind his wife Diana and their two sons Justin and Derek Thurman and grandson Jackson all of Collinsville. Sisters Donna and Barbara, younger brother Johnny “J.T.” and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ronnie worked in the aircraft industry for the same company since 1979. He loved his family and cherished the time spent with their only grandchild. Ronnie was loved and respected by his family and the numerous people he played ball with and worked with over the years.

Even as his Parkinson’s continued to worsen, he was adamant the disease would not make choices for him. He continued working, spending his free time with his family and his grandson’s dog Bodie, who he had grown very attached to. When Ronnie and Diana started dating, he told her he already had a woman in his life that came first. That woman was his mom, Rosemary. Ronnie was devoted to his mom who had Parkinson’s and cared for her until her passing in January 1993. Ronnies love for his family was unconditional. Ronnie enjoyed fishing with his son Derek, whether it was at a pond or traveling all over the United States watching Derek fish in tournaments. He loved the private talks he had with both sons. Ronnie relied on Justin for what Ronnie called his analytical mind and always bragged that Justin could fix anything. He coached both his sons in baseball and basketball, never missing any games regardless of the sport. Ronnie wanted the best for his sons, and it didn’t matter what was going on in his sons’ lives. He stood by them right or wrong. It was important to him to tell his sons he loved them every day. He loved the Dallas Cowboys and was a devoted fan, win or lose. He could tell a story that would make you belly laugh. Usually about his siblings and all of their crazy antics growing up. It didn’t matter that you had heard the same story for decades, they were funny every single time. His two sisters and his brother would be laughing so hard they were crying. He wasn’t one who cared about other people’s opinions regarding his choices. Once he made his mind up there was little anyone could do to change it. He was a private person who often would say “It’s none of your business. If I wanted you to know I would have told you.” He was never one to yell or draw attention to himself. He wasn’t flashy, he was quiet and kind, and always willing to help family and friends. It’s hard to know how many people Ronnie helped move over the years or friends he just sat quietly and drank a beer with when they needed his calm approach to work through their problems.

Ronnie had a special bond with his mother-in-law Linda who loved him very much.

Although the Parkinsons had changed Ronnie a lot over the past few years, his death was sudden and came as a shock. His wife and sons are devastated and need some time to grieve. A memorial for Ronnie will be announced when plans are finalized.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ronnie's name to the American Heart Association or to Parkinson's Research.