Dr. James Alexander Thorburn, 84, of Baton Rouge and Hammond, LA and formerly of Martins Ferry, OH, died at home on Sunday, Nov. 11, 2007. He was born Aug. 24, 1923 on Scotch Ridge, a son of the late Charles D. and Mary E. (Ruble) Thorburn. He retired from Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond as Professor Emeritus of English and Linguistics, having also taught at Louisiana State University, the University of Missouri, the University of Texas, and Monmouth College (Illinois). The author of poems, articles, and short stories, his work appeared in numerous publications nationwide. Dr. Thorburn was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Baton Rouge, where he sang in the choir, and of Grace Presbyterian Church in Martins Ferry. He was a veteran of the US Army Field Artillery in WWII, and was also a licensed pilot. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Lois (McElroy) Thorburn; a brother, David Thorburn; and a sister, Edna Ekey. Surviving are his wife, June C. (Yingling) Thorburn; a son, Alexander M. Thorburn, of St. Louis, MO; a daughter, Melissa R. Thorburn, of Williamsville, NY; a step-daughter, Elizabeth Ann O'Leary, of Hammond; a brother, Paul N. Thorburn, of Zanesville, OH; a sister, Jean E. McKim, of Cambridge, OH; a grandson, Richard Sobolewski; and a granddaughter, Alyson O'Leary. Family and friends will be received Friday, Nov. 16, 2007 from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm at the Heslop Funeral Home, Walnut at Fifth, Martins Ferry, OH. Funeral services will be held at Grace Presbyterian Church, Fourth & Hanover St., Martins Ferry at 1:00 pm with Rev. William O. Webster officiating. Burial follows in Riverview Cemetery, Martins Ferry. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to: Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Foundation, 10600 Old State Road, Evansville, IN 47711 Condolences to the family may be made by signing the guest book at the top of this page.