James “Thurman” Huskins, age 96, passed peacefully into Heaven on March 28th, 2026. Since Hurricane Helene, he had been residing near Murfreesboro, Tennessee with his eldest daughter Emily and his son-in-law, Bill. Thurman was born on December 9th, 1929 to the late Samuel Mack and Mae Ballew Huskins in their home at the foot of Seven Mile Ridge, NC. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 65 years, Nell Gibbs Huskins and beloved youngest grandchild, Isabella Rae Greene.
Thurman lived a working-life that was full of adventure and travel. His secured first paid job with Blanton’s Hardware in Marion, NC at the age of 16. At age 23, he joined the United States Army during the Korean War era, specializing in construction and large crane operation. He also served in France during his three-year tour with the Army. Following this, he worked in construction in Africa. Once stateside Thurman taught heavy equipment use for a private company in Charlotte, NC and then begin worked for Nello Teer Construction Company where he worked for 25 years; up and down the Eastern United States. He was a Crane Operator in Egypt, Jamaica and the Martial Islands to provide for his family. Thurman and his wife Nell, were also caretakers for the Brigham Tree Farm in Micaville, NC for 9 years in between his time overseas.
Thurman started out as a deacon then became an elder and a Sunday School teacher at Mount Celo Church for 50 years. He loved his church dearly and enjoyed studying his Bible. After retirement Thurman took time to slow down, planting Frasier firs, working on his Christmas tree farm and simply sitting on the porch; finally having time to be at home in the North Carolina mountains.
While Thurman was a quiet and contained man, he was a highly-skilled and hilarious story-teller. He remembered everything from his past and had many “you can’t make it up” stories. In his younger days, Thurman enjoyed playing music, he had the “old high-mountain sounds” of Flatt and Scruggs. His favorite song was “Satisfied Mind” and he loved playing his guitar and singing this with his children.
His light and legacy lives on in his children: Emily Shaw (Bill), Lynn Huskins, Kay Huskins (Marc Stecker), Mary Kundinger (Frank) and Rebecca Clough (Steve); sisters: Kate Post and Sue Thrower; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
A Graveside Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 11th, 2026 in the Moody-Huskins Cemetery located off of Hickory Hill Road in Burnsville, NC. Military Honors will be conducted by the Sgt. E.L. Randolph Chapter #57 D.A.V.
Memorial contributions may be made to Gentiva Foundation, 1639 Medical Center Pkwy # 101, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37129; Compassionate Care Hospice, 856 Georges Fork Road, Burnsville, NC 28714; or Mt. Celo Church, 5275 Hwy 80 South, Burnsville, NC, 28714 c/o Pastor Mark.
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