John Thurston may refer to:
Politicians John Bates Thurston (1836–1897), independent Premier, and later British colonial Governor, of Fiji, 1888–97 John Mellen Thurston (1847–1916), Republican United States Senator from Nebraska John Jabez Thurston (1888–1960), independent member of the Canadian House of Commons John Thurston (Arkansas politician) (born 1972), Republican Arkansas State Treasurer, 2025–present
Sports John Thurston (basketball) (born 1948), US collegiate women's basketball coach Mel Thurston (1919–1997), born John Thurston, American professional basketball player
Other John Thurston (artist) (1774–1822), British wood-engraver and illustrator John Thurston (inventor) (fl. 1799–1850s), British furniture maker and the inventor of slate beds and rubber cushions for billiard tables