James Russell Thalls, 81 of New Castle passed away on Thursday, February 2, 2023. He was born on September 19, 1941 a son of the late Russell and Mary (Valentine) Thalls.
Jim was a 1959 graduate of New Castle Chrysler High School. He was a member of the Army National Guard from 1963-1969. Jim attended Central Florida Junior College and was employed by Sears & Robuck for many years. In the 1970’s he became an insurance agent, in 1982 he became employed by State Farm and retired in 2008. While employed with State Farm, he was a member of the President’s Club and received the Crystal of Excellence award. Jim was an avid golfer and was a member of the Antler Golf course in Rushville, IN as well as a member of the Elks Lodge in New Castle and Rushville. He was also a founding member of TOPP’S and a member of the Paul Harris Rotary, for over 25 years and received the Paul Harris award.
Jim is survived by his lovely wife of 60 years, Diane (Foster) Thalls; daughters, Amy (Thalls) Hill of Columbia, MO, and Anne (Thalls) (Todd) Keihn of New Castle, IN; grandchildren, David James Keihn of New Castle, IN, Katie Diane (Chance) Bartolomucci of Tampa, FL, Elizabeth Ann Hill of Columbia, MO, and Lucas Michael Hill of Columbia, MO; great grandchildren, Archer Wade Bartolomucci and Hazel Bartolomucci of Tampa, FL; sisters in law, Susie Pierce of Weston, FL and Becki McGrady of New Castle, IN; several nieces; nephews, and cousins and his beloved pet, BeeBee.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his grandparents, Roy and Pearl Valentine; mother and father-in-law, Jean and Earle Foster; brother, Mike Thalls; brother and sister-in-law, David and Nancy Hannon; brother-in-law, Pat McGrady; great niece, Abigail Pierce; great nephew, Clay Pierce.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hinsey -Brown Funeral Service in New Castle. Memorial contributions may be given to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 E. Ohio St. Suite 500, Chicago, IL 60611. You may express condolences or share memories of Jim at www.hinsey-brown.com.