Jimmy was born on April 23, 1943 in Chattanooga, TN. in 1962 he graduated from Howard High School in Chattanooga. He served as Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corp for 23 years. Following his retirement, Jimmy worked for Supervac of Jacksonville. After retiring in Jacksonville, Jimmy met and adopted "his Jacksonville family", Irene, Alex, Rosa, Mike, and Chuck. He was an avid fisherman and happiest by the water and salt air.
He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Walter Thornton, Charles McNabb, and Helen Nowells.
Jimmy is survived by his two sons, Jimmy Lee Thornley Jr. and James Edward Thornley; longtime partner, Lula Mae Thornley; sisters, Pearl Bailey, Loretta Jones, Shirley McNabb, and Cathey Stamps; brothers, Johnny McNabb and Roger McNabb; very close extended family, Alex and Irene Chumpitaz; and beloved god-child Rosa Fernandez Molina.
A private graveside service will be held on Monday, November 16, 2020 at Coastal Carolina State Veteran Cemetery in Jacksonville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jimmy's name may be made to the A Take a Kid Fishing Foundation at takf.com.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18