James Thurlow
Griswold — James Peter “Jim” Thurlow, 88, of Griswold, passed away peacefully in his home Sunday, Feb.
25, 2024, with his daughter Christine by his side. Jim was born March 4, 1935, in Flint, Mich., the son of Clifford and Pauline Thurlow.
Jim was an allstate swimmer in the butterfly stroke while at Jackson High School in Jackson, Mich. During his time at the University of Michigan, he was named All-American during his junior year in breaststroke, as well as held the national record in the 200-yard breaststroke long course. Jim was also a member of the Engineering Honor Society and the vice president of the student M Club. He graduated in 1959 with both his bachelor’s degree in engineering and his master’s degree in business administration.
On Aug. 22, 1959, Jim married his sweetheart Diane Thurlow (Stanley). They then moved to Fontana, Calif., where Jim worked for Kaiser Steel. Jim and Diane had their daughter Christine Thurlow Hansen and their son James Scott Thurlow while in California, before moving their family to Connecticut. There, Jim worked at General Dynamics from 1963 until 1996, when he retired. He held a variety of positions while there including superintendent of docks and chief of test services.
Jim and Diane spent most of their time after their retirement traveling North America in their RV with their three grandchildren, providing endless memories and experiences for all. Together, they traveled the entire lower 48 states, as well as parts of Canada and Mexico. Among some of the most memorable places they visited were many of the national parks including Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Glacier, Grand Canyon, Sequoia, Redwood, Canyonlands and Arches, as well as one summer trip taking the family north to Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, and Labrador. The family would often share their fond memories of these vacations and the experiences they all had. As the grandchildren grew older, Jim and Diane settled into a lovely lake house on Granny Kent Pond in Shapleigh, Maine, where they spent several years. The family made countless visits during the winter and summer months to the lake house where they continued to build lasting memories with the growing family.
Jim and Diane returned to Connecticut several years later, and eventually settled into their home in Bozrah. They spent much of their time with their growing family as they welcomed their great-grandchildren into the world. Jim loved spending time with all the great-grandchildren and spoiling them with love and treats any time he could. He loved to bake mini-blueberry muffins and share chocolate milkshakes with his two great-grandsons. When his great-granddaughter arrived, Jim spent countless hours holding and rocking her in his chair, making it difficult for anyone else to get a turn holding the new baby. His love for the children shone through in every moment he spent with them.
Jim leaves behind his children, Christine Thurlow Hansen of Griswold, and James Scott Thurlow and his partner Jamie Calvano of Watertown; his three grandchildren, Abigail Elizabeth Thurlow of Groton, Michael Christopher Hansen and his wife Deanna of Norwalk, and James Tyler Hansen and his wife Jayme of Ledyard. Jim will also be greatly missed by his three great-grandchildren, Maxwell Christian Hansen, James Thomas Hansen and Juliet Elyse Hansen. Jim is predeceased by his parents, Clifford and Pauline; the love of his life Diane; and his sonin-law Mace Hansen.
The family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude to Chelsea, Zee and Carla who all provided amazing care for Jim and Diane during the late years of their lives.
All services will be private.