James Thornton

Thornton, James
COLONIE - James L. Thornton Sr., 75 of Colonie, a loving husband, father, grandpa, brother, and friend, passed away at home on January 19, 2023, after a long battle with autoimmune hepatitis and cancer. In the spirit of giving back, Jim made an anatomical donation to Albany Medical College in the hope that research might find ways to help others.
Jim was predeceased by his parents, James Earl Thornton and Elizabeth Rock Thornton, and his father-in-law, Carlton Walker. Born and raised in Saranac Lake, Jim had a deep love for the Adirondacks, which was passed on to his children.
Jim is survived by Claudia, his beloved wife of more than 54 years; his daughter, Kimberly "Ann" Thornton (Nick Spagnoli) of Niskayuna; his son, James L. Thornton Jr. (Carro Oldham), of Beverly, Mass.; his adored grandson, Samuel Thornton Spagnoli; and his granddogs, Harper and Ella (predeceased by Chance). Jim is also survived by his sister, Mary Buckley of Rochester and brother, Gary Thornton (Kate) of Scarborough, Maine; his mother-in-law, Dorothy Walker; his brothers-in-law, Michael Bubniak (Virginia) and Timothy Bubniak (Patricia); many nieces and nephews; and a treasured sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Barbara and Robert Cafarelli of Malta, who provided extraordinary support to him throughout his illness.
Jim worked in accounting and sales in the kitchen and bath industry and for the North Colonie Schools Administration Office, retiring in 2014. He served in the N.Y.S. National Guard for six years as a military policeman. He was a member of St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish.
Jim loved nothing better than being a grandpa to Sam, whether it was building Legos or working with electronics. He loved teaching Sam, and Sam loved teaching Grandpa!
A special thank you from Jim and his family to Dr. Talenfeld of Weill Cornell in New York City and the many angels at Oldendorf Medical Services, Sunnyview Rehab, La Torre Orthopedic Laboratory, VNA of Albany, The Community Hospice, Vascular Health Partners, NYOH, and Albany Gastro.
A memorial Mass will be held at St. Kateri Tekakwitha, 2216 Rosa Road, Schenectady on Tuesday, January 24, at 9 a.m.
Contributions to the Adirondack Council in Jim's name would be appreciated: https://donate.adirondackcouncil.org/memorial.