James Gerald Thyne, Jr.

James Gerald Thyne, Jr. of Crestview, Florida passed away and went to be with the Good Lord on Wednesday, April 10, 2019. A cherished dad and adored grandfather, he left us too soon for all who knew and loved him. Jim was a generous man, kind and loving, eternal optimism, and endless love for his grandchildren. He was a man of many talents and great character. Jim was respected and loved by all who knew him and he will be greatly missed by family and friends.

Jim was born on February 15, 1950 to James G. Thyne and Marilyn (Bigelow) Thyne in Lowell, Massachusetts. He served his country with distinction for thirty years in the United States Army as an infantry soldier and a noncommissioned and commissioned officer retiring in 1999 as a Lieutenant Colonel. He had the honor of leading infantry soldiers from squad to brigade level. Among his many infantry assignments are a combat tour in Vietnam with the 25th  Infantry Division and numerous stateside and overseas infantry command and staff positions including, Fort Riley, Kansas; Fort Stewart, Georgia; Schofield Barracks, Hawaii; Wiesbaden, Germany; Fort Benning, Georgia; and Atlanta, Georgia. His United States Army awards and decorations include, multiple decorations for valor and meritorious service awards.  Following his United States Army retirement, Jim worked in his second career for 12 years as an Associate Agency Director (Chief Operating Officer) in the Texas A & M University System. Jim was an avid Boston sports fan.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, James and Marilyn Thyne. Jim is survived by his, son, James G. Thyne, III; daughter, Dawn M. (Ted) Naddaff; son, Patrick M. Thyne; daughter, Leslie M. Thyne; stepdaughter, Phaedra D. (David) Childers; sister, Karen A. Cloonan; brother, Kevin F. (Sheree) Thyne; sister, Donna M. Hanley; and nine awesome grandchildren, James Christopher Thyne, Patrick L. Thyne, Kathryn E. Thyne, Mattison L. Thyne, Maleree L. Thyne, Emma G. Naddaff, Brooke A. Naddaff, Adam B. Childers, and Anna M. McLendon.

A funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, April 17, 2019 at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church 550 Adams Drive Crestview, Florida 32536 at 11 A.M. The family will receive guests for a visitation at 10 A.M. in the church narthex.

Jim expressed his desire that his remains be cremated. Donations in lieu of flowers to the veterans' organization of your choice is appreciated.

Services and arrangements are under the care of Davis-Watkins Crestview Memorial.

Please visit www.daviswatkins.com to sign the guestbook, express condolences and share memories.