Bean and Ham Soup

This is my favorite way to use a ham bone. 

1 lb pkg dried Great Northern or navy beans, rinsed
8 cups water
1 1/2 lb ham bone
2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 carrots, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 onion, chopped
3/4 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper

Combine beans and water in a large stock pot. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat; cover and let stand for one hour. Bring beans to a boil again; add ham bone. Reduce heat; simmer for one hour. Remove ham bone; cool and remove meat from bone. Add meat to soup, discarding bone; stir in remaining ingredients. Cover; simmer until vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes. Serves 4-6.