Today’s Word from Pastor Jim
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12
“There on the beaches of Normandy I began to reflect on the wonders of these ordinary people whose lives were laced with the markings of greatness.”
― Tom Brokaw, The Greatest Generation
He arrived without fanfare on the nineteenth day of August 1925 in Northwood, Iowa. Never heard of Northwood? It is just down the road from Carpenter, Iowa. A good student and a good son, he stayed out of trouble, though trouble may have been hard to find in Northwood, Iowa. He graduated without fanfare with the class of 1943. Seventeen years old, he immediately enlisted in the United States Army. He answered the call of his country without hesitation. He put his life on hold, and his life on the line for the cause of freedom. He would cross the ocean, see action in the Philippines, escort Japanese prisoners of war in Korea, and finally become part of General MacArthur’s occupation force in Japan.
Returning to his homeland, he rarely talked about his military service. He enrolled at North Dakoka State University, there to meet the love of his life. After graduation The Boeing Company would lure him to Seattle, three boys were born and the busy family settled on Mercer Island. He was driven by a strong sense of duty and privilege. He immersed himself in work, was an active and faithful member of his church, and was a hands-on dad taking his family on vacations and taking interest in all the boys’ activities.
Gold watch and Boeing pension in hand, he retired without fanfare and moved to Whidbey Island in 1992. He made many friends here, sang in the choir, joined four by four dinners, provided leadership for our Adult Education programs, and found himself in the company of so many who had served in World War 2. He was a faithful caregiver as his bride of 55 years experienced the ravages of aging and Parkinsons. He spent his final years in an assisted living facility. Until the final two months of his life he tuned in online every Sunday morning to worship with his Trinity Lutheran Church family. On Sunday, March 9th he died without fanfare, he simply slipped away, crossing over to the other side. He was 99 and a half years old. He had lived 43 years past his life expectancy. His funeral was simple. Young soldiers from JBLM came to fold the flag, to play taps and to honor a man they had never met.
Paul Thonn lived his life humbly, without fanfare. He was a part of the Greatest Generation. But there is more. For as I stood next to his earthly body for a final time, I realized that Paul was the last man standing. He was the last of our Trinity World War 2 veterans. He joined Frank, Lloyd, Harold, Jess, Web, Johnny, Bill, Eldred, Paul and so many others. 16,400,000 Americans, men and women, served in uniform in World War 2. In 2025, there are approximately 60,000 left, with an average age of 98 years old.
On this Memorial Day Weekend, may we pause and give thanks for those who gave up the comforts of home to stand for freedom. May we give thanks for those who gave up their lives that we might live in peace. May we take our place in line and carry the flame of the Greatest Generation.
Paul Thonn arrived and departed without fanfare.
“For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Jesus
“Sacrifices. They married in record numbers and gave birth to another distinctive generation, the Baby Boomers. They stayed true to their values of personal responsibility, duty, honor, and faith.”
― Tom Brokaw, The Greatest Generation
One beggar, telling another beggar where to find bread, I am your,
Pastor Jim
PS: If you would like to respond directly to Pastor Jim, please email rvlindus@whidbey.com.
