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James Thornbury Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for James Thornbury
Tony
October 6, 2025
James and i, around 2000/2001 on the Sydney Blues Society Cuise on Sydney Harbour, he was a real too guy , and we took to each other right from the get go,he was such a gentleman, we always talked family , blues , life , over a drink . I never missed a gig in Sydney with the boys . James T and the last Volunteer's, what a magic blues band , world class musicians in action live , I miss that blues band and all the guys playing together , RIP James I think of you often and your name pops up in conversation lots brother ,
Tony
October 8, 2024
Another year passes, JT, the emptiness left behind when you left us, still lingers today. Such was your presence and warmth mate. Rest in peace man
Dick Mitchell
September 29, 2023
Today is 9-29-2023.
I just read this obituary of a Sigma Delta fraternity brother James W. Thornbury I pledged under while attending Pierce JR College.
Jim drove a white VW Carmen Ghia, was a happy go lucky guy who loved and lived for music!
I was saddened to come across his obituary this evening as I am sure he became great husband and father yet enjoying a music career he had been destined to indulge. His life was obviously cut short as I am still living, married with three adult children, 2 step children and 9 grandchildren who keep me busy!
Jim, I feel your kind heart and spirit got you s ticket to the promise land where I am sure you are in a band of angels making heavenly music guitar and harmonica in hand.
Living in TX since 72 put me out of touch with many friends, family and of course fraternity brothers.
Rest in peace my old friend.
.Dick Mitchell
Judith Taylor
October 6, 2022
There will never be another friend and teacher like James T. His memory burns bright and forever.
Dana Blatt
February 12, 2022
I'm so sorry to hear this news. Really. I spent time with Jimmy in the late 60's as well as in the 80's. He is one of my special memories.
Frank Casias
May 24, 2021
Jim, was a member of my fraternity at Pierce College, in Woodland Hills. CA. I first met Jim one windy September night, in 1970, at our fraternity house. He and another brother had just got back that evening after having been away all summer. My first impression of Jim, was that he was a very friendly and mellow fellow. I found out that evening that he was good at playing the guitar and was in the process of singing up with a band. He was never hard on us 'pledges'. I found out that he had just served the previous year as our president. Soon after, I lost track of him. The word came down that he was playing with Canned Heat and was living in Australia. Life had done him well.at you Rest in Peace, Brother Jim.
Frank Casias
December 23, 2020
I met Him in 1970. He was a member of my.fraternity and a recent past president. Him and another brother had just got back from bring home all summer. He was s voracious fellow and later a friend. When he moved on following his music career I lost touch with him. One of our brothers that was close to him did mention that he was playing with Canned Heat. The last thing I heard as about Jim was that he was living in Australia. I SM saddened to hear of his passing. Miss you brother. Keep.strumming those strings up there.
Kurt Pierpont
October 17, 2020
I was most saddened to just recently hear about my brother James. I played drums for him on the North and South album in 1982 and have fond memories of our times together. Be at peace my brother and condolences to your family. With Love, Kurt Pierpont. Centennial, CO
October 6, 2019
His tofu sandwiches on long drives to the gigs which he would always share., His homemade compilation tapes playing, Jethro Tull, Mississippi Fred. Old stories of the road, The foldback mixer at the gig timidly asking How's the vocal?' James growling back' Make me sound like James Brown' , then a wide grin to set the guy at ease.His politeness to everyone, even the tattooed guy swearing in the room, saying to him Hey mister, there's little ones who can hear you'
A gentleman of the first order, James, you're missed and loved, and we'll be blessed if we meet someone like you again.
Easter, 2012, Billinudgel Hotel [ NSW, Oz ] Side stage during a "short break"
Garrie Sinclair
October 3, 2019
Judith Taylor
September 20, 2019
You are still so sadly missed Brer. Your great talent was only surpassed by your kind heart. You uplifted and inspired us all. Thank you for your brotherhood and friendship. Blessings as you continue the journey. Jude North Queensland
John Sutton
September 19, 2019
Thinking of James on. the 2 nd anniversary of his passing.
He was a friend of mine, I had the great pleasure to play bass with James for about 3 years . I miss him most every day, he was the greatest gentleman I've ever had the privilege to meet .
Love you brother.
Blessings.
Linda Lohr
September 5, 2019
Thinking of you today on your birthday, James T ❤. You are sorely missed, mon ami extraordinaire. Your music lives on and you live on in our hearts. Hope you're feeling the love up yonder
Ton amie,
Counsel
Eugene, 1980's
Victoria Fox
July 10, 2019
So shocked to read that JT is gone! I was just thinking of him, realizing we hadn't corresponded in some time, so Googled him to see what he was up to and BAM, gone! He was a dear friend from the first we met in Eugene in the late 1970's. We played music together, shared meals, and he even babysat for my son on occasion. A brother to be sure. My deepest condolences to his whole family, friends, loved ones. He was a very special guy who will be deeply missed.
Kevin Rogers
February 9, 2019
James and I lived in Eugene Oregon at the same time. He actually lived the studio right below myself. I believe it was a converted garage.
I remember when he told me that he was going to audition for Canned Heat. He was excited to say the least.
James was a kind person.
Kevin :-)
Tony Burazin
October 27, 2018
We always came to his gigs in Sydney at the Blues club never missed them, he was a world class musician and blues man , nice guy that always made me welcome when he seen me around the haunts, JT with the Volenteers were unbeatable live, world class act .
RIP now James, always remembered mate❤
Jill Tolassi Cyr
June 19, 2018
So sad to hear. Loved his music. A good friend.
Sinkerz [ Oz ]
April 26, 2018
So many memories. Until we meet again my friend, somewhere down the road apiece. So many memories.
March 30, 2018
James, on behalf of Anthony Spillane who passed away March 23, 2018, in Boise, ID, we'd appreciate it if you'd check up on 'Ace' every now and again.
February 19, 2018
Kind, talented... Fond memories of music, baseball and poker. He's on another beautiful journey, I'm sure..
Linda Lohr
December 15, 2017
James T. was a kind, generous soul who happened to be an awesome musician. He was the embodiment of loving kindness and living in the present. What a beautiful legacy he left in a world much in need of more like him. RIP, dearest one. ❤ Linda "Counsel" Lohr
Gil Onyett
December 10, 2017
Have just learned of James's passing. Interviewed him a couple of decades ago for a street rag, but had to recall interview from memory as the damn recorder failed. He told me I did all right,though. For some reason, was thinking about him only recently - maybe a cosmic message of some sort - and that I hadn't seen him since an East Coast Blues Festival at Byron Bay about a dozen years before. Will always remember his great harp blowing, and that gorgeous twin-neck monster he played. James was a thoroughly decent man, and I felt blessed to know him. Now feeling a great sense of loss. My thoughts go out to Molly and their kids.
doug cromb
December 9, 2017
JAMES T GONE...WHAT A SHOCK
HAD THE LUCK TO SEE HIM GET UP WITH CANNED HEAT AT BYRON BAY BLUESFEST A YEAR OR TWO BACK.
SAVED THEIR BACON....AND TURNED THE SET INTO A KILLER. HAD THE LUCK TO MEET HIM MUCH LATER AND TOLD HIM HOW MUCH I ENJOYED HIS PERFORMANCE.
AM SURE HE IS SITTING IN WITH A NEAT LITTLE OUTFIT SOMEWHERE UP THERE NOW
R.I.P AND THANKS FOR THE MEMORY
keith frey
November 28, 2017
james t was my best friends big brother we all looked up to him he showed us the way he is jammin with ronnie wittich his early guitar teacher right now
Jack Schroeder
November 18, 2017
Jim was one of the 'Delhi Boys' in Cincinnati and was outstanding in Basketball and lead us all into the world of music by starting a HS band called the "Wall", which was named after his middle name, Walter.
Though the first gig was rough at a local Friday night teen dance, Jim persisted to be better and I am glad he succeed in his love for music.
He always had a kind word for all and I offer my condolences to his family and friends.
I suspect that he is lead guitarist and singer at Friday nights gig with the Lard.
I am glad to have known him and his music.
Jude Taylor
November 1, 2017
Teacher. Brother. Friend. A most courageous and deeply spiritual man who gave so much joy through his music and kindliness. James T could never, ever be forgotten. Consolations to all who mourn. Jude
Stephen Cohen
October 30, 2017
James T. was one of the best people and one of the best musicians I have ever known. I am so sad he is gone.
October 25, 2017
James will forever live on through his music. He was a creative force and spectacular solo artist. For me today, a blue day for the blues.
Cathy Benjamin
October 21, 2017
Sometime in the 70s, James T rolled into town, guitar in one hand, and his famous "buzz cup" in the other. Making a name for himself as his popularity grew, he played gigs at places such as Mamas Home Fried Truckstop, Zoo Zoos Natural Foods, The WOW Hall, the Country Fair,private parties and I believe, even a Hoedad General Meeting.
Everyone who came across his path became a friend. The guy was such a pleasant person to be around, and everyone who knew him loved him. I, as a friend and a fan, was so proud to hear he had joined Canned Heat and was touring the world. If any person was deserving of this good fortune, it was James T!
It was easy for him to get us all out on the dance floor. The blues and rock he played were so addictive, no one sat stil~ He was a tall, quiet, handsome man, but his true beauty lay inside. Our town embraced him, and he,in turn graced us with his music, his kind soul, and his honest humbleness.
Thinking that Thornbury might be too much of a mouthful, I suggested shortening it to James T. He liked it and it stuck. He in turn,started callin me KB, which I also liked, giving me a new persona I enjoyed. Never did tell him that Cathy was spelled with a "C", not a "K"......>
I'm so thankfull to have known you James T! You left your mark on Eugene and have captured a very special place in our hearts. Why do all the good ones have to die young? I love and miss you very much, my brother, and believe Ialways will~
TD
October 17, 2017
He lived a good and kind life like he wanted and left many cherished memories. Psalm 31: 24. May you enjoy them and allow yourself at times to smile as you embrace God's peace.
A. H.
October 15, 2017
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
George Calomeris
October 14, 2017
I believe your soul's found a happy home. R.I.P. brother. You will never be forgotten
Connie
October 13, 2017
May the God of comfort be with you at this time
October 12, 2017
My deepest condolences. Death of a loved one is never an easy thing to go through. Just remember you are not alone. Isaiah 61: 2 "...To comfort all who mourn" God is right here to help you. -
D. W.
October 12, 2017
My condolences. May the promise found in ~John 6:40 bring you comfort and hope in the days ahead.
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