Obituary of James L. Thornton Sr.

MESA, ARIZONA – May 15, 2024 James was born in Culpepper, Virginia on January 7, 1934 to his parents, Jack and Martha Thornton. He was the oldest of four children. As a baby, he moved to Rochester, New York with his parents and was educated in the Rochester City School District. After attending Madison High School, James started working at Eastman Kodak Company, at the young age of 19. In 1986, he retired after completing 30 years of service. He was recruited by the United States Army in 1956 until 1958 where we received an honorable discharge. On New Year’s Eve 1961, he met the love of his life, Janie Redden at the Pythodd Room, a Jazz Club on Clarissa Street in Rochester, NY. They were married and three children were born to this union. He loved sports, especially hockey, baseball, and basketball. He knew the history and stats of all the players. He was a member of Flower City Lodge #91 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks, as well as a member of Eureka Lodge #36, of the Free and Accepted Prince Hall Masons. James would listen to gospel and jazz music every day while working his crossword puzzles. James departed this life on May 15, 2024 in Mesa, Arizona. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Martha Thornton and his brother, Jessie Thornton. He leaves to mourn; his wife, Janie; his sons, David Thornton of Mesa , AZ, James Thornton II of Riverdale, GA, Kent (Carrie) Thornton of Gilbert, AZ; three granddaughters, Bryan Thornton of Gilbert, AZ, Nyerah Thornton of Brooklyn, NY, Akira Thornton of Jersey City, New Jersey and one great granddaughter, Rainey Edwards; one brother, Jack (Jannie) Thornton; one sister, JoAnn Owens, one sister-in-law, Gwendolyn Thornton; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Friends may call Saturday, June 8 from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM at The Latimer Chapel, 983 South Plymouth Avenue, Rochester, NY. The Funeral Service to Celebrate his life will immediately follow at 12 Noon with Rev. Dwight Fowler, officiating. Interment Mumford Rural Cemetery Mumford, NY.