James Edward THORNTON

December 07, 1927 - August 05, 2023

Jim passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 5th at Cowichan District Hospital in Duncan, BC at age 95. Jim was predeceased by Malcolm McDonald, his loving partner of over 45 years. Jim is survived by his niece, Amy Althouse, of Green Bay, Wisconsin and his nephew, John Corey Althouse, of Gilbert, South Carolina. Jim lived an extraordinary life that he documented in his book "Telling My Life Story: A Journey of Discovery" - a story that touches on his early years in Michigan in the family insurance business, his years in the US Navy (1951-1955), Naval Reserve (until 1961) and his education at the University of Michigan where he earned his Master's degree and his Doctorate. He taught at the University of British Columbia (UBC) from 1969-1992, focusing on adult education. Following his retirement, Jim continued his association with UBC and the pursuit of his interests in older adult learning and development. Jim and Mac enjoyed retirement in the Okanagan and from 2006 in the South Cowichan Valley until Mac's passing in 2019. Jim remained in their South Cowichan Valley home until his recent passing.
Jim had an interest in Japanese culture and he and Mac made multiple trips to Japan. One of the last trips they took together was a month long cruise throughout Asia which included cooking lessons in Taiwan. Jim also had a passion for Bonsai and was a member of a Bonsai club for many years. Jim proudly obtained his Canadian Citizenship on October 3, 2018.
Jim, with his amazing stories of a life well lived, will be so very much missed by his family and his many friends on Vancouver Island. A special thank you to Sandi and Roger Patterson and Elaine Henneker for their friendship and support to Jim, especially over the past 4 years.
Cremation arrangements are in place. At Jim's request, there will be no service. If you wish to remember Jim, please do so with a kind deed or word to someone who needs you.