John Cochran Thurman Jr., Legion of Merit recipient

John Cochran Thurman Jr., 86, of San Clemente, Calif., passed away Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2022, of natural causes.

John was born Dec. 13, 1935, to John and Dorothy in Pasadena, Calif. After John graduated from Pasadena High School in 1952, he joined the U.S. Army to serve in Korea.  Upon return, he went on to study police administration at Pasadena City College in 1957, and San Jose State University in 1959.

John started his first job with the San Marino Police Department, and then transferred to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in 1960 as a deputy sheriff, starting a 30-plus-year career that saw him rise to the rank of captain where he commanded many bureaus and facilities including the East and North/South Facility, Pitchess Honor Ranco, the Altadena Station, and the Court Services West Bureau.  Upon retirement from the Sheriff’s Department, he was the interim chief of police in the city of Sierra Madre.

After serving in Korea, John received his direct commission in 1957.  He served in the U.S. Army Reserves for over 29 years, rising to the rank of colonel.  Serving in many command and leadership positions, his final position was DSCLOG, 63rd ARCOM.  His highest award was the Legion of Merit.

In 1950, John met Mariann Geyer on a blind date.  They were married in 1960 and had three children, John L. Thurman, Julie Francisco, and Maria Thurman.  John has six grandchildren, Emma, Ethan, Andrew, James, and Noah, from Julie, and from Maria, Nolan.  

John was predeceased by his wife of 51 years. He is survived by all of his children and grandchildren.

Interment with military honors will be at 11:30 a.m., May 16, at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, Calif.