Obituary for James “Jim” Thilsted

James “Jim” Dean Thilsted

February 28, 1955 – July 06, 2023

James Dean “Jim” Thilsted of Blackwell, Oklahoma, passed away early Thursday morning, July 6, 2023, in the Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas, at the age of 68 years.

Jim Thilsted was born on February 28, 1955, in Alva, Oklahoma, to James and Lois Jean (Hensley) Thilsted. In 1961 he moved with his family to Blackwell where he graduated from Blackwell High School in 1973. He was a letterman in different sports and enjoyed his high school years. He would have celebrated his 50 year reunion this fall. Following his education, he entered the United States Air Force where he served for seven years as an airframe repair specialist. He was honorable discharged at the rank of Sargent and was extremely proud and thankful for the opportunity to serve. After his military service he began working for Boeing in Wichita. While working there he met Henry Horn who became a lifelong friend. The two of them enjoyed traveling in later years.

He enjoyed all animals and could train them to do various things. His favorite dogs were Bella, Fishing Boat and Boomer. He also enjoyed all sports and recently enjoyed watching golf with Russell. He was an avid OU fan and watched the Sooners play football every season and women’s softball this year. His biggest joy came when his granddaughter, Elle Marie was born. He was very proud and showed her pictures to any and everyone.

Jimmie was a generous man. He was known for his culinary skills and sharing the food with friends and neighbors. He talked politics with his niece Lynn, whom he could always get rattled. They would always end their discussions with, “we can agree to disagree,” even though most times he agreed with her but just wanted to argue.

He is survived by a son, Craig Thilsted and wife Monica of Edmond; a sister, Mary Hamilton and husband Randy of Alva; a brother, David Thilsted and wife Debbie of Ponca City; a granddaughter, Elle Marie Thilsted of Edmond; his fury friend, Isa Bella Dona; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Robert James “Bobby’ Thilsted; and a sister, Bonnie Jones.

A funeral service is scheduled for 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 11th in the Roberts and Son Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Adam Phillips of the First Free Will Baptist Church in Ponca City officiating. Military honors will presented by the United States Air Force from Vance Air Force Base.

Visitation will be on Sunday afternoon from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. and again on Monday from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Honorary casketbearers will be close friends, Henry Horn, Gil Lenker, Loren Alexander, Rick Davis and Russell Rogers.