James Francis Thrift |
| Posted 2009-01-30 by Judy Wight Branson |
| The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Wednesday, January 18, 2006 James F. Thrift (Jimmy), an Arizona native for 83 years, succumbed to a massive stroke on Saturday, Jan. 14. 2006. He was born in Phoenix July 15, 1922. His parents were Sylvester G. and Margaret F. (Cuddy) Thrift. He went to St Mary's Grade school and during this time he contracted spinal meningitis, which was epidemic in Phoenix. This illness resulted in his total deafness. Learning to communicate with lip reading and hand signs, he taught his family and friends these communication skills. After grade school, he went to and graduated from St. Mary's High School. Later, Jimmy was a member of the York weight-lifting team and became an accomplished body builder and fitness advocate. During World War II, he became a free-lance photographer working for the U.S. government at the German Prison Camp at Papago Park. While at the interment camp, many of his photo images were chronicled in national and international publications. Jimmy later worked for Capital Litho and retired from the Arizona Republic. After retirement, his lifelong dream was to move to Prescott Valley and pursue his interest in organic gardening and photography. This he did until his recent death. Jimmy is survived by his sister, Sr. Margaret Frances (Helen) Thrift with the order of St. Joseph in Los Angeles, his niece and nephews, Mrs. Mary Ann Palmer and husband Jerry of Phoenix, Tom Thrift of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, Dr. Robert Thrift of Phoenix, Dr. William Thrift and wife Kathy of Prescott, and his grand-niece and nephews Nicole Thrift of Phoenix, Ben Thrift of Ashland, Ore., Jake and Greer Palmer of Phoenix. The funeral will be graveside at Saint Frances Cemetery, Phoenix on Friday, Jan. 20, at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please make a much-needed donation to the Arizona Commission for Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Information provided by survivors. |
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