Rev. Dr. James W. Thurman, Jr., age 76, of Carrollton, Georgia passed away Tuesday, November 18, 2014. He was born in Atlanta, GA on September 7, 1938, the son of the late James W. Thurman, Sr., and Mildred Sims Thurman. He was a minister in the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church for over 40 years. As a graduate of Young Harris College, Huntingdon College, and Emory University, he began his career with circuit appointments east of Atlanta followed by churches located in Social Circle, Augusta, Marietta, West Point, and Peachtree City, Georgia. His last appointment was at the Carrollton First United Methodist Church. In addition to his active ministry, he was a very strong supporter of the Boy Scouts of America, Golden K Kiwanis Club, and various interfaith ministerial associations. In his retirement, he spent much of his time as a CASA volunteer. He touched the lives of many through his counseling and teaching. Survivors include his wife, Martha L. Thurman; son, Greg Thurman and his wife Tina Beeck of La Grande, Oregon; daughter and son-in-law, Kara and Brad Pearson of Douglasville, GA; grandsons, Beeck Thurman, Miller Thurman, James Thurman, Jason Pearson and William Pearson; sister, Betty (John) McMahon of Birmingham, AL; brother, Rev. Dr. Gerald (Lynda) Thurman of Jasper, GA. He was preceded in death by his parents. A memorial service will be held Monday, November 24 at 11 a.m. at the Carrollton First United Methodist Church. Those officiating include Rev. Karen Kagiyama, Rev. Beth Shugart, Rev. Blair Tolbert, and Rev. Gerry Davis. The family will receive friends in the Fellowship Hall following the service. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the North Georgia Clergy and the Faith Explorers Sunday School Class. Memorial contributions may be made to Carrollton First United Methodist Church Mission Outreach, 206 Newnan Street, Carrollton, GA 30117; Carroll County CASA, Inc., P.O. Box 310, Carrollton, GA 30112; or to the Boy Scouts of America. Messages of condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.almonfuneralhome.com. Almon Funeral Home of Carrollton in charge of arrangements.