James Harold Thornton

JAMES “JIM” THORNTON (87) left his final footprints on earth on August 1, 2020, in Sarasota, Florida. He was delivered into this life on December 19, 1932 to the late Bert & Ida Thornton in Myakka City, Florida, by his aunt/mid-wife Alma Coker. He was a true Floridian, having lived his entire life in the Manatee/Sarasota area (absent his military service). He had perfect attendance throughout his school years and graduated from Manatee High School in 1951.

Jim proudly served his country with his service in the U.S. Air Force. In 1987, he retired from his position as Supervisor of the Sarasota County Driver License Offices, with 30 years of service. He was a member of Bee Ridge Baptist Church where he and his loving wife Glenda “Gail” were wed in June, 66 years ago.

Jim was an accomplished musician. As a young boy, he learned to play the 5-string banjo. Bluegrass and country music was his passion and he had great pleasure playing with many well-known musicians. He had a very creative mind and enjoyed drawing and whittling wood. He also had a wicked sense of humor and loved the ‘Far Side’ comics.

Jim was preceded in death by his siblings: Louise Durrance, David “Foxy’ Thornton and Sue Ness. In addition to his wife, Jim is survived by his devoted family: daughters Deborah (Jim) Matthews and Donna (Steve) McCammond; grandchildren Jessica Taylor (William Fallatik) and Jeremiah Matthews (fiancé Nicole Haaland); great-granddaughters Chelsea Fallatik, Tiffany Dungan and Ciara Dungan; and his sister Judi Maness. He will be greatly missed by his many nieces, nephews, cousins and other family and friends. He created so many memories with his life stories and brought joy to many people through his music.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2020 from 2pm to 3pm, followed by a Funeral service at 3pm; at Robert Toale & Sons Funeral Home, 170 Honore Avenue, Sarasota, Florida; Rev. Ron Keenan officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Lung Association or Heart Association.

Service will be held on face book Livestream URL https://www.facebook.com/RobertToaleAndSons/