TRAGEDY: One man's struggle to stay sober falls short

TULSA — Gene Mansfield can itemize the price of addiction.

Using crack cocaine cost him his friends, his family, two houses, several classic cars, his marriage and more than $200,000 cash.

That was 15 years ago — back before he got clean, found God and dedicated his life to helping others do the same by working at the John 3:16 shelter.

But when it comes to addiction, not every story has a Hollywood ending. James Thurow, one of the most brilliant minds ever to stay at the shelter, despite the help of many, couldn't overcome his alcohol addiction. He died penniless earlier this month in a fire.

‘A brilliant mind'

Thurow graduated at the top of his high school class, finished college and went on to law school, and more recently worked with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.

"James had a brilliant mind,” Mansfield said. "When he was stable, he could function as the desk man here at the mission. When he was well, he had the capacity to practice law, and he had the compassion to do good works and help make the world a better place.”

The stable periods, however, just didn't last. When Thurow's charred remains were found in burned out vacant restaurant, Mansfield was hit hard.

"I wept when I heard James was dead,” he said.

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