James “Thurman” Huskins, 96 years old, went to Heaven on Saturday, March 28, 2026. He had been living with his oldest daughter, Emily, and son-in-law, Bill, near Murfreesboro, Tennessee since Hurricane Helene.
Thurman was born on December 9, 1929, to Mae Ballew Huskins and Samuel Mack Huskins in their home at the foot of Seven Mile Ridge, NC. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 65 years, Nell Gibbs Huskins, and beloved youngest grandchild, Isabella Rae Greene. He is survived by his sisters: Kate Post and Sue Thrower; and five children – Emily Shaw (Bill), Lynn Huskins, Kay Huskins (Marc Stecker), Mary Kundinger (Frank) and Rebecca Clough (Steve). He is also survived by eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Thurman lived a working-life of adventure. His first paid job was with Blanton’s Hardware in Marion, NC at age 16. At age 23, he volunteered for the army during the Korean War, specializing in construction and large crane operation. He served in France during his three-year military span. Following, he worked in construction in Africa. He came back to the states and taught heavy equipment use for a private company in Charlotte, NC. Then, he worked for Nello Teer Construction Company for 25 years across various states including Maryland, West Virginia, and Georgia. During the last years of his career, he was a crane operator in the countries of Egypt, Jamaica, and the Martial Islands to provide for his family. He and his wife, Nell, were also caretakers for the Brigham Tree Farm in Micaville, NC for nine years between his overseas stints.
Thurman was a deacon, then an elder, and a Sunday School teacher at Mount Celo Church for about 50 years; he dearly loved his church. He also enjoyed studying his Bible, planting Frasier firs, working on his Christmas tree farm, and sitting on the porch after retiring and finally having time to be at home in the NC 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 sound’ of Flatt and Scruggs. His favorite song was “Satisfied Mind”; he loved playing his guitar and singing this with his children.
Memorial contributions may be made to Gentiva Hospice 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, Burnsville, NC, 28714 c/o Paster Mark.
A graveside service and burial will be held on family land April 11 at 2:00 PM.
To send online condolences, please visit website: yanceyfuneralservice.com