James Alan Thornburg, known lovingly as "JT," of Beatrice, Nebraska, passed away on October 22, 2023. Born on February 2, 1936, in Beatrice, NE, JT lived a fruitful life of 87 years, dedicated to his family, his work, and his community. He honorably served his country in the United States Army from January 22, 1959 until January 10, 1961. JT was a talented electrician and the proud owner of JT Electric. He also sold insurance for Security Mutual Life and Assurity. His generosity was seen in his work, where he served the community for many years, and in his personal life, where he was a constant source of support and laughter. JT was known for his witty sense of humor, bringing light and joy to those around him. He was also a dedicated member of the Sertoma Club and the inspiration behind the Gage County Courthouse Winter Lights.

JT was a man of many passions including fishing, hunting, boating, attending his grandchildren's activities, visiting Lake of the Ozarks, and riding his motorcycle. His dedication and service to his community earned him several awards and honors including the Aksarben Good Neighbor Award, admittance into the Beatrice Educational Association Hall of Fame, the Service to Mankind Award, and the honorary title of Admiral in the Great State of Nebraska Navy given by then Governor Jim Exon for his help in rescuing over 150 flood victims during the 1973 and 1984 floods. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, LoIda Thornburg, his son Jeff Thornburg and daughter-in-law Michelle, his daughter Julie Klecan and son-in-law Allen, his grandchildren Connor and Andrew Klecan, and Claire Thornburg, his sister-in-law E'Linda Thornburg, and several nephews and other extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents Elroy and Zella (Barnard) Thornburg, his son Jay Alan Thornburg, his sister Leona (Monty) Yarger, his brother Dean Thornburg, and his in-laws William and Ida Krajnik.

Public visitation will be held on Friday, October 27, 2023, at 11:00 AM until 8:00 PM at Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel, 708 North 6th Street, Beatrice, Nebraska. The family will greet friends from 6-7:30 PM Friday at the same location. A family prayer service will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at 1:45 PM at First Christian Church, 205 North 7th Street, Beatrice, Nebraska. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 PM at the church and will be live-streamed at https://my.gather.app/remember/james-thornburg. Military graveside services at Evergreen Home Cemetery will be provided by the Legion Riders and the Nebraska Army National Guard. A memorial has been established to the Church and to the Courthouse Lights Fund with the funeral home in charge.

A memorial has been established to First Christian Church and Gage County Foundation for Courthouse Lighting with the funeral home in charge.

In remembering JT, we invite you to share your memories, view his video tribute, and upload photos to his memorial page at www.ghchapel.com. Let us remember JT for his dedicated service, his generous spirit, his witty humor, and let his legacy live on in our hearts.

 These services have been entrusted to the Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in Beatrice.