James W. Thornton

Dr. James W. Thornton passed away Friday, Oct. 15, 2010, in Baja, Mexico. He was in a plane crash on his way to do volunteer surgery with the Flying Samaritans, an organization he has been working with for 20 years. Jim was born in August 1951 in Oregon City, Ore., to John Lyndon and Leona Thornton and moved with his family to Orange County in 1956. He graduated from Garden Grove High School in 1969 and earned his B.S. in biology from Cal State Fullerton in 1973. He attended medical school at University of California at Irvine and graduated in 1979. He completed a general surgery residency and plastic surgery residency at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Mich.   After completing his residencies in 1986, Jim moved to the Central Coast to start his medical practice. He liked the college town feel of San Luis Obispo and the beautiful beaches. He felt that this was a great place to raise his family. He had lived and worked on the Central Coast for 23 years.   Jim was a respected and talented surgeon. Through the passion of his work, he made an impact in the lives of so many people. Although his specialty was cosmetics, Jim was a great humanitarian.   His choice to be a Flying Samaritan made a difference in the world. He gave to those who would never have received medical attention and changed their lives in a positive way. He gave from his heart, often without compensation. It was his dream to do research and teach, as well as practice medicine. An accomplished sailing captain, Jim enjoyed traveling and going on frequent sailing trips in the Caribbean, South Pacific and Central America. He considered Jackson, Wyo., his second home - it was one of his favorite places to visit.   It was in Wyoming that he enjoyed hiking, skiing and especially fly fishing. Jim lived a full life and enjoyed challenges and adventure.  He was a protective and loving father, wonderful husband and the best friend any one could hope to have. He will be remembered by a host of family and friends who were touched by his infectious smile and laugh. Jim loved animals and provided a loving home for many dogs and cats during his life. Jim will be missed by his wife, Christine Thornton; daughters Alexandra Thornton and Elizabeth Thornton; son-in-law, Geoffrey Graber; mother, Leona Thornton; brother and sister-in-law, John and Pat Thornton; sister and brother-in-law, Lynn and Bruce Gjertsen; and many other family members and close friends.  A service will take place at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, 2010, at the First Presbyterian Church, 951 Marsh St. in San Luis Obispo.  In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of James can be made to the Valley Animal Center, 3934 N. Hayston, Fresno, CA 93726 or University of Michigan, Bartlett Foundation, Department of Surgery, 1500 E. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5346.