James David Thornton, 72, Mobile, passed away on October 7, 2023.
James was born to Irving and Dorothy Thornton on July 22, 1951 and graduated from Theodore High School in 1969 before joining the United States Air Force. While serving in the Air Force, James achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant while working as a ground radio repairman. While serving in the Air Force in England, he met his wife Joyce Elizabeth Franklin Thornton. They shared 36 loving years together before she passed away. James worked in the chemical manufacturing industry for companies such as Musiac and Degussa. James was a proud member of the Mardi Gras organization Krewe de Bienville.
James is survived by his daughter, Melissa Thornton Yarbrough Rawlins; grandchildren, Gregory Yarbrough (Madeline), Alyssa Rawlins (Chase); brothers, Mike Thornton (Sharon Sokol), Rick Thornton (Nancy); sister, Judy Thornton Wendt (Terry); nieces and nephews, Charity Thornton Johnson, Easter Thornton Roberson (Phillip), Bradley Wendt (Christina), Tessa Wendt Townsend (Shane), Allison Wendt Hobden (Chris), Ryan Wendt (Sammi Jo), Chris Thornton (Kim), Derrick Thornton (Rachael), Dwight Thornton (Kimberly), Randy Beck (Kristi), Rex Beck (Karine); many great nieces and nephews and a host of devoted friends and "family" from Patches and Outrigger.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Elizabeth Franklin Thornton; sister, Patricia Thornton Beck Holden.
July 22, 1951 — October 7, 2023
Funeral services will be held Monday October 16, 2023, at 10:00 am at Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home with visitation beginning at 9:00 am.
