James Newton Thornton

SAN SABA James Newton "Jim" Thornton passed away Thursday, April 25, 2013, at Prestonwood Rehabilitation Center in Plano, Texas following a courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease. Jim was a longtime resident of San Angelo and a member of Southgate Church of Christ until he moved to the Dallas area to be near his children. He was 89 years old. Jim was born Feb. 19, 1924, in San Saba, Texas to Sebern and Alice Thornton. Jim proudly served as a pilot in the Army Air Corps during World War II. He served in the Pacific Theater flying "The Hump" and was twice awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. On Nov. 27, 1956, Jim married Sara Kate Wilder in San Saba, Texas. They had three children. Jim and Katy were married for over 43 years until Katy's death on Oct. 4, 2000. Jim received his undergraduate and master's degrees from Texas Tech University. He retired from the San Angelo Independent School District where he taught vocational agriculture for many years. After retiring from teaching, Jim enjoyed working as a welder operating his own business. He enjoyed fishing (especially with his brothers), watching football and baseball games, being outdoors, and spending time with family, friends, and his beloved dog, Katy Dog. He is survived by his three children, Jeff Ray Thornton, Lori Kay Thornton, and Amy Lynn Thornton; his brother, Richard Thornton and his wife Leota of Austin; his brother-in-law, Bill Wilder and his wife Erny of Georgetown; his sister-in-law, Vondene Wilder of San Saba; his brother-in-law, Paul Jeffrey and his wife, Dee of San Antonio; numerous loving nieces and nephews; and many dear friends, including Mary Joy Powell and Anne Stoker of San Angelo. Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Sara Kate; his parents, Sebern and Alice Thornton; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ray and Kate Wilder; his brother, Edward Thornton and his wife, Ollene; his brother, Johnnie Thornton and his wife, Jeannean; his brothers-in-law, Ray Wilder Jr., Jack Wilder and Joe Wilder; his sister-in law, June Clark and her husband, Dale; his sister-in-law, Carol Jeffrey; and his nephew, James Richard Thornton. A visitation will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 30, 2013 at Heritage Funeral Home in San Saba, Texas. Graveside services will follow at 2:30 p.m. in San Saba City Cemetery. Close family friend, Mr. Don McKee, will lead the service. Honorary pallbearers will be his nephews, Eddie Dean Thornton, Ronnie Thornton, Raigen Thornton, John Thornton, Terry Thornton, Dale Thornton, Fred Wilder, Bill Wilder, Marty Jeffrey, James Wilder, Don Clark, John Jeffrey, Ray Wilder, Wendy Thompson, and Matt Hepler. In lieu of the usual remembrances, the family suggests that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association, the San Saba EMS, or to a favorite charity.