James Thronburg, better known as T-Bird, recently retired after almost six years in the Buildings and Grounds Section of the Finance Department. This team is responsible for all the maintenance and repair of the buildings and surrounding grounds of GUC’s facilities, including storm support from preparations to recovery. 

As a Facilities Maintenance Technician, James primarily carried out the schedule for preventive maintenance, trouble shooting, and item repairs. Duties included, but were not limited to, minor carpentry, painting, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, office furniture repair and reconfiguration, and ceiling tile work. James also trained their Co-Ops and Pre-Apprentices and said he really enjoyed that part of his job.  

“Besides preventative maintenance, I fixed stuff that broke,” said James. “Door latches, lighting, plumbing, garage doors, you name it. I value the opportunity I had here to learn about commercial-type repairs on equipment and facilities. I’ve also enjoyed the family-type environment and workforce at GUC, which is a rare find. We’re all neighbors here.” 

Prior to joining GUC, James did production maintenance work at a few different factories and served in the U.S. Navy as an Electrician’s Mate. Born and raised in Ohio, he made his way to North Carolina to be closer to his mother and one of his brothers. He and his wife of 22 years, Jean, live in Grifton. Jean is also retired, and has two sons who work at GUC, J.C. and Jason Haddock. J.C. is an Electric Engineering Assistant II and Jason is a Gas Service Worker Senior.  

James and Jean plan on traveling more in their retirement. “Our first trip coming up soon is to sightsee out west. We’ll also visit my Navy buddies, who I haven’t seen in 40 years, along the way back home.” James looks forward to spending more time on his hobbies of target shooting, going to car shows, drag racing, building model cars (more than 300 models waiting to be built), photography, wood working, and helping friends out with home remodeling projects.  

Good luck in retirement, James!