James Thurber

Thurber, James 'Jim' Milo 75 Jan. 30, 1939 Feb. 15, 2014 James "Jim" Milo Thurber was born Jan. 30, 1939, to Ethel and Myles Thurber of Brady, Neb. Jim slipped away, peacefully, Saturday evening, Feb. 15, 2014, in Honolulu, Hawaii. He was surrounded and comforted by his cherished family including his wife, Cathy and four loving children, April, Angela, Michelle and James Jr. Jim passed at the age of 75 years young. Jim enjoyed a full life filled with personal and professional triumphs and prosperity. Raised in the heartland of America in the towns of Brady and Hershey, Neb., Jim was the fifth of eight children. He graduated from Hershey High School in 1956, and ventured westward two years later, settling in Lake Oswego. It was in Oregon where Jim set upon building his future as a family and "furniture" man and where he and first wife, Rosalie, raised two beautiful daughters. In 1977 Jim married his current wife, Cathy, whereby they added two more children to his growing legacy. Jim significantly expanded his family when he and Cathy opened Banner Furniture Outlet in 1980. Since its opening, the Banner family has been an integral part of both Jim's love for life and ultimate success. Jim's passion for people and an infectious optimism were and will remain the cornerstone examples of Jim's legacy that lives on within all who know and love him. James Milo Thurber is a shining example of how life must be lived to the fullest, without regret and by one's own rules. We should all be so blessed to have our loved ones look back and remember us in such high regard. Jim is remembered and loved by four different generations for his love for and support of family, children, community, athletics and life! May God bless him, and keep him in peace. He was always our favorite. Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years, Cathy; children, Bruce and April (Thurber) Berg, Wayne Rodgers and Angela Thurber, Rick and Michelle (Thurber) Payne and James and Stephanie Thurber; and grandchildren, Bryan Berg, Clayton Rodgers, Camryn Rodgers and Alexander James "AJ" Payne. We miss you baby! A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 3, 2014, at Southwest Bible Church, 14605 S.W. Weir Rd., Beaverton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association and Family Promise Shelter Program.