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BORN
1937
DIED
2014
James Thornton Obituary
He had an autoimmune disease and a rare cancer, his daughter Renee said.
"He had such drive and purpose and single-minded determination. He approached his illness with the same determination," his daughter said. "He was an engineer. He had to fix the problem."
He was a 1960 graduate of the University of Missouri with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering when he was hired by Chrysler Corp. into a work-study program. He received a master of automotive engineering degree from the automaker's engineering institute and graduated into work at Chrysler's steering suspension lab, said Mike Buckel, a colleague.
Early on, Mr. Thornton got to know the Ramchargers, a group of company engineers - and drag racers. He designed the racing vehicles known as "funny cars," Mr. Buckel said, and was a winning driver as well.
"Jim was the spark plug of the Ramchargers," Mr. Buckel said. "He was the leader. He was an extremely creative engineer. Everybody in the sport knew who he was."
Mr. Thornton later worked for Rupp Industries of Mansfield, Ohio. At Jeep Corp. in Toledo, he became director of Jeep product engineering, retiring in 1986. Afterward, he was a co-founder, vice president, and treasurer of Applied Technologies Inc. in Toledo. His mechanical expertise aided him as an owner of a self-serve car wash business founded in 1978 with his sons.
He was born Feb. 26, 1937, to Agnes and Ira Thornton and grew up in Richmond, Mo. He was an Eagle Scout, star athlete, and valedictorian of his high school graduating class.
He and Margaret "Marg" Randolph married Sept. 6, 1959. He became her primary caregiver as her muscular dystrophy worsened. She died Nov. 11, 2006.
Surviving are his sons John R. and David Thornton; daughters Jama Millar and Renee Rathke; brother, John R. Thornton; nine grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter.
Visitation will be from 3-8 p.m. today in the Walker Funeral Home, Sylvania Township. Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday in the mortuary.
The family suggests tributes to a charity of the donor's choice.
Contact Blade Staff Writer Mark Zaborney at: [email protected] or 419-724-6182.
Memories and Condolences
for James Thornton
15 Entries
Michael Steven Smith
May 29, 2023
I really miss you Jim you are the best.
Michael A Cutajar
May 27, 2021
I worked in his Advanced engineering group in the early 1980s at AMC/Jeep/Renault. He was a very gifted engineer and a very nice person who never looked upon anyone as a lesser being. He had a special Jeep Wagoneer that we put two fuel tanks in and it also had a cable attached to the distributor so they could adjust timing on the fly. He drove every day from Toledo to Detroit Amtek facility were we worked on many projects. It was a most memorable time in my life. Rest in Peace Mr Thornton (Jim). So sorry for your loss.
Brian Ruhlman
June 6, 2014
I worked for Jim at Applied Technologies for over 10 years. He was truly a genius and he taught me so many things that helped improve my life. It was an honor to have known him and be able to learn from him.
Heather Y Caregiver homeinstead
June 5, 2014
Mr. Thornton was an amazing man. While I was only given a short time to have known him, he still has touched my life in ways to be seen. I know we both enjoyed watching the end of the race, the next day. But then again, I only watched the races with him. I would like to thank the family for having allowed me to not only meet, but care for Jim.
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Marc Brosseau
June 5, 2014
Jim Thornton was one class act. I knew him well in the years I tried lawsuits on behalf of Jeep in various parts of the country. He was my teacher, my technical instructor and an inspiration. I am a better person for having known Jim Thornton.
Home Instead Senior Care
June 5, 2014
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mike Smith
June 5, 2014
I am forever indebted to Jim Thornton for his wisdom and his gentle manner and his devotion to the people around him. I worked for Jim and worked with him in later years. He was an inspiration in everything he attempted. My admiration and love for him is legion. Never have I met a man with more integrity. He put people first in every endeavor he was involved in. It has been said "you can only enter the gates of heaven on the arms of those you have served." You think those Hemi's were powerful? They pale in comparison to those you have served and will lead you through the gates of heaven.
June 5, 2014
Our sympathy to the family. He sounds like a wonderful and amazing man.
Chuck and Julie Schroeder (Westlake,Ohio)
Mike Smith
June 5, 2014
Jim was one of the great influences of my life when he hired me to work for him in 1973. My career flourished as a result of his guidance and inspiration. A life long friend, Jeeper, Skier, motorcycle rider, work partner and more. I cannot come up with enough words to express my admiration and love for this wonderful man. He had many great attributes, but foremost among them was "he cared about people more than product." People came first in Jim's life and there is no greater honor than to love your fellow man. It has been said "you only enter the gates of heaven on the arms of those you have served." He will be hoisted high through the gates of heaven.
Bill Slawter
June 5, 2014
Mr.Thornton and his fellow Ramchargers were responsible for Chrysler's legendary car performance on the streets and tracks of the US and the world.
God's speed Mr.Thornton.
http://blogs.hotrod.com/ramcharger-racer-jim-thornton-dies-at-age-77-115773.html
Dawn Lewis
June 4, 2014
My deepest condolences to the Thornton family
I didn't know Jim well but what a wonderful man and an awesome granddad.
Robert Grogan
June 4, 2014
Our deepest Sympathy to you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of need.
Sarah Severin
June 4, 2014
My condolences to the entire family! I only knew Jim for a short time, but he changed my life. He gave me a different way of looking at things. He was a great person.
?Forever In Our Hearts!?
Steve Orosz
June 4, 2014
Jim defined the American dream in my opinion he is the absolute example of what can be achieved in America. Not an actor but the "real thing"
June 4, 2014
Renee (Steve),
I'm so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. So many great memories of your dad that it's hard to choose. From your dad having me pitch in with the rest of the family performing weekend chores (since I was there so much), chatting with him about my engineering classes and listening to his advice when I was in college, attending my wedding, and also celebrating your parents anniversary where I introduced them to Sydney shortly after she was born…...Some of my most cherished memories were of your parents taking their little get-a-ways to Fort Wayne and having dinner with them. Jim and Kurt would have lengthy conversations about cars, business, and their Eagle Scout experiences. Margaret and I would chuckle because they seemed to be “two peas in a pod”, and their conversations would go on longer than ours! I'm sure your mom was the very first one to welcome him home in heaven. Prayers to everyone during this difficult time…….
With all our love,
Cynthia, Kurt and Sydney
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