James Earl Thornton

1945 - 2022

James Earl Thornton, 76, passed away on Sept. 18, 2022, at his home in North Platte surrounded by his family. James was born on Oct. 7, 1945, in Floydada, Texas, to George and Isabell Thornton. He grew up in Omaha where he attended Omaha Public Schools and graduated from Tech High School. On July 13, 1985, James was united in marriage to Kathy Hardnock in Jefferson City, Missouri. They lived in North Platte until moving to Omaha in 2012. James and Kathy had just recently returned to North Platte where they were members of Harvest Christian Fellowship. James worked as an upholsterer before working at Premdor and Walmart DC, from which he retired. He loved to sing, fish and play volleyball. He played in various leagues at the Rec Center and spent many hours on the water. James especially loved being surrounded by his grandkids. He was preceded in death by his dad and stepmom, George and Willa Mae Thornton; mother and stepfather, Isabell and James Morehead; father-in-law, Robert Hardnock; brother, George, Jr.; and sister, Ruby Thornton; daughters, Stacey Gonzalez and Rylee Thornton; and grandchild, Destin-2B Thornton. James is survived by his wife, Kathy; daughters, Amber Thornton of Omaha and Ashley Bush of Cypress, Texas; sisters, Doris Lewis and Shirley Goings of Omaha; grandchildren, Roman, Isiah, Tyja, Dyllan, Za'Kerrionna, Za'Lyiah, Za'Nayah, Zayleionna, Za'Riyah, Za'Renity, Ja'Mari, Ja'Kobe and Ja'Vontae; great-grandson, Roman, Jr.; mother-in-law, Joyce Hardnock of North Platte; and other family. Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. Celebration of life is at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23, at Harvest Christian Fellowship. Visitation is prior to the service at the church and cremation will follow. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.