James Robert Thornton

Compassion brimmed in his heart.

None, too big or small.

Jim Robert Thornton was born of humble beginnings on August 21, 1944, in Sacramento to mother: MayBess Darby and to father: Robert Clarence Thornton.

As a child, he developed a profound love for animals. He told the story of how as a young boy in elementary school, he had a dog named King that he cherished dearly. One day after coming home from school, he found his father had given King away. He was devastated. A few days later, while at school, the students hear a dog crying outside. They went to discover what was happening. It was King, looking for Jim. After seeing the dog’s dedication and devotion to Jim, his father decided he wouldn’t take King from him. This love and compassion would continue to grow throughout his life, not only for animals, but for the people that entered his life as well.

He spent his childhood in Citrus Heights, CA, and later graduated from San Juan High School. He continued to hone and develop his skills after school by working as a mechanic. Having worked for 7 years after graduating, he was married to the love of his life, Judy Smith Thornton, on September 5, 1969. Their marriage was something special, and many people looked to them as an example of a happy marriage. Like many couples, they experienced difficult times and were not able to have children of their own. However, they loved their family, friends, and animals wholeheartedly. This love was so strong that to their nephews and nieces, they were considered the world’s best uncle and aunt. Jim and Judy filled their lives with summers of fun, which created many happy memories for them all. They had countless animals that they cared for and loved beyond compare. Animals needing a home that didn’t belong to them always seemed to find their way to Jim and Judy’s house for some affection that they didn’t get elsewhere.

Jim spent most of his career working as a maintenance technician for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. After retiring, he devoted his whole heart to the things that he loved: people, animals, and plants. Because of his humble beginnings, he knew what it meant to have very little. Because of this, he wanted to ensure that others didn’t have to experience the same. This desire is what drove him to serve those around him throughout his life. One way he did that was by combining two of his passions, labor, and gardening. He spent hours designing and building dozens of garden boxes, which he donated to his fellow gardening friends in the community garden.

Growing up with little food allowed him to make sure others could enjoy the abundance of food that he never had as a child. Anyone that went over to Jim and Judy’s house would find an endless supply of delicious food, and warm hospitality. He and Judy would often make meals and provide clothes to those in their community who were less fortunate than them.

Not only was Jim compassionate and loving, but he had a quick wit that always made those around him laugh. One of his expressions that carries on through his nephews and nieces is, “You are a gentleman and a scoundrel, I mean scholar!” If someone had a heavy heart, Jim knew how to make it light.

Jim died from complications following a stroke on March 23, 2023, with loved ones around him. He will be missed sorely by those who called him husband, brother, uncle, and friend.

His legacy continues in each life that was touched by his words and deeds. He will never be forgotten. He lives on through his family and the many wonderful things he did while here on earth.

Judy says, “Love you bunches. Sleep tight. Don’t let the bed bugs bite.”

We love you, Jim. You are a gentleman and a scoundrel, we mean scholar.