James "JT" Thornburg
 |
2014
J.T. Thornburg
Community Service
Class of 1953
J.T. Thornburg, J.T., as the Beatrice community knows him, graduated in 1953 from Beatrice High School. He went on to build a business as an electrician, but it is J.T.’s community service for which he is best known.
In 1987, J.T. was asked a simple question, “Do you suppose we could put some lights on a tree at the courthouse?” When he was asked the question, J.T. responded, “Maybe there is a way to light up the courthouse as well.” So that first year, with the help of Lloyd and Shawn Vanlaningham, there were lights on the roofline and the tower. The next year, 2nd-floor lighting went on and in 1989 the lower floor was done. At that time, there was no Holiday Lights committee, so the work and expense of putting in the lighting system were underwritten by J.T.
In 2003, the lights were suspended because of deteriorating wiring, and so a Holiday Lights committee embarked on a fundraising campaign. With the needed $20,000 in hand, the lights came on the following year. Today, over 4 miles of wire make up the lighting system and 2,000 lights shine on the large tree on the south lawn. J.T. continues to serve as the leader and inspiration for this important community event, inspiring local businesses to also add lighting to their facilities.
His boat was all J.T. needed to be of service in rescuing over 150 flood victims in 1973 and 1984. During these floods, he moved citizens from their homes, rooftops, and businesses on the west side of Beatrice to safety. For his service, he received the Omaha World-Herald for “unselfish and charitable deeds beyond the realm of personal gain.”
In 1997, J.T. packed his electrical tool kit, and traveled to Grand Forks, North Dakota, when the Red River flooded the city. Living out of his son’s camper pick-up, he spent 3 weeks helping the United Way and Salvation Army to assist families in returning to their homes.