James Terhune Obituary

Dr. James Howard Terhune, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, entered into rest on November 27, 2011 in Colorado Springs, CO. He was predeceased by his loving wife of fifty years Frances Charlene (Jett) Terhune in 2009. Dr. Terhune is survived by his son J. Patrick Terhune and his daughter-in-law Mary Beth Schmidt, his daughter Laura K. Ramsey and his son-in-law Rick Ramsey, his granddaughters Grace Mariah and Elizabeth Noelle Ramsey, and his loving companion Thelma Ann Schauf. Born in Brady, TX on August 24, 1935, and raised in Northern Texas and Tulsa, OK, Dr. Terhune graduated from Will Rogers High School in 1954. In 1958 he received a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering Physics from the University of Oklahoma, and joined the General Electric Co. While at G.E., he received a Master's Degree from Union College, and a Doctorate in Plasma Physics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Dr. Terhune had a long and distinguished career in the nuclear energy industry with the General Electric Co. His many accomplishments included numerous patents, scientific innovations, and published papers. Dr. Terhune was devoted to his family, and took great pride in their achievements. He loved and admired his many friends from around the world, and was loved and admired in return. He was an excellent golfer who was proud of scoring a 68 in a round at age 53 and a hole-in-one at age 67. He was an excellent dancer, a dedicated fan of country music and football, and a warm host to friends and family. He loved a good joke, cowboy boots, and friendly strangers. He will be missed.