“Jim” Thornton: Still Loved on Earth

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James “Jim” Victor Thornton Sr.

James Victor Thornton Sr. “Jim” was born in Eureka, CA on March 23, 1970. He went to be with the Lord on Oct. 12, 2018 in Redding CA. He was 48 years old, much too young to leave us.

He is survived by his children, his daughter, Samantha and his sons James Jr. and Michael. His daughter-in-law Sarah. His grandchildren, Kadin, Zoey, and Bo, “BoBo” was his heart. His mother, Karen, his sister Trudy Martin, “True” and his nephew Corey Thornton. Also his dog, Sarah.

He is preceded in death by his father, Mike Thornton. Also his beloved “gramps” Ken Sells and his grandmothers; Marian Anderwald and Angelita Thornton.

The word that first comes to mind when thinking about Jim is “honorable.” While Jim was growing up in Eureka we called him “Jamie.” He had long hair in his later teens and wore raggedy jeans like the rock stars. He and his buddies were going to hitchhike to LA and start a band. Before he left he met his future wife and started his family.

He worked at T.P. Tire in Arcata, CA for many years. He also volunteered at the Eureka Police Department, he had always wanted to become an officer. However he got busy with a family and put that on hold. He then moved to Redding and worked for Goodyear Tire Co. He was a valued employee for 20 years. He gave 150% always keeping in mind that the big rig tires he put on the road were his responsibility. His work ethic and commitment to his job was stellar.

Jim had a great love of fishing. He was most happy when he was one with nature and a fishing pole in hand with his friends Allen and Papa Smurf. He also loved kayaking. Jim was a very law abiding person. He was also patriotic. He was so proud of his nephew Corey who was in the Marines. When a football game was on TV he would stand up with his hand on his heart when they played the National Anthem. Those around him would stand also. He had a Wounded Warrior blanket he proudly displayed.

Jim was a very giving person. He never failed to give a helping hand to friends and neighbors with his automotive talents. His garage looked like an automotive shop. At times, Jim would help the homeless, but only with a meal. He one time gave mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to a dog whose owner had left it in a hot car. He had a sincere friendship to those who knew and loved him and a supportive ear to his online friends and family.

Jim had old school values. He’d walk on the outside of a woman while on the sidewalk and be protector and always opened a door. He would always say, “That’s the way Gramps taught me.” When his beloved Gramps passed away he said “Don’t call me Jamie anymore, call me Jim, that’s what Gramps called me.” Other things he always said were “work is what I do… that’s my life.” Or “did you lock your door mom?” Also, “you’re my best friend mom.” When referring to his sister he’d say “she did the head work and I did the hard work.” And always before hanging up the phone or saying goodbye his last words were… “Be safe.”

Jim never stopped giving, even in his death he was an organ donor. Both of his kidneys were given to two different recipients in Northern California. His corneas are waiting.

Jim still lives on…On this earth and in our hearts. He is greatly missed. “Be safe Jim.” He is safe in the arms of Jesus. And we will see him again, that’s a promise.