James Bruce Thornton

James Bruce Thornton, 63, of Lubbock died peacefully at home on Saturday, July 26, 2014.  Bruce was born March 1, 1951 to James “Mickey” and Janice Donald Thornton.   Born and raised in Lubbock, Bruce graduated from Lubbock High School in 1969 and attended Lubbock Christian College and also Texas Tech University.  In 1972, he went into business for himself and started Bruce Thornton Air Conditioning.

Bruce married Janelle Harris on May 26, 1973, in Lubbock.   Together, they grew the new company quickly, adding employees along the way.  Today, BTAC is one of the largest mechanical contractors in West Texas, employing more than 120 people.  Much of Bruce’s success in business was due to the numerous things he did for his employees and the ways in which he tried to help them improve their lives.  He loved teaching and training his people as well as helping them to share in the successes they helped to create with and for him.  In fact, anyone who spent much time around Bruce inevitably saw an amazing level of generosity and kindness shared with those he encountered.  Both personally and through his company, he made significant contributions of time, expertise, professional services, property, and money to individuals and organizations around the South Plains.  It was rare for him to see or hear of a need and not try to find a way to help.

That desire to help others was strongest when focused on mankind’s greatest need of all.  Bruce had a passion for sharing the Gospel and made more than 30 mission trips to locations all over the world.  He frequently traveled to cities in India as well as countries across central and southern Africa to help train local preachers and church leaders to be more effective.  Bruce was a lifelong member of Sunset Church of Christ.  He served the congregation as a deacon and then an elder, concentrating on world mission efforts through time spent on the Missions Committee as well as the board of Sunset International Bible Institute.  In addition to helping others, Bruce found a lot of enjoyment in traveling.  He and Janelle made many trips abroad and were able to see much of the world together.   He also liked boating and was a licensed airplane pilot.

Bruce is survived by Janelle, his wife of 41 years; his children Christi Hadley and her husband Matt, Stacey Zube and her husband Rob, and Derek Thornton, all of Lubbock; four grandchildren Hannah Hadley, Caleb Hadley, Nate Zube, and Luke Zube; his mother Janice Thornton of Lubbock; a sister, Patsy Williams and her husband Mike of Lubbock; and a brother Jimmy Thornton and his wife Debra of Lubbock.  Bruce was preceded in death by his father, Mickey Thornton, in 1998.

The family will receive friends 5:30-7:00 p.m. Monday, July 28, 2014 at Sunset Church of Christ.  A private family graveside will take place at Resthaven Memorial Park.   Memorial services are scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 29, 2014 at Sunset Church of Christ.  

Memorials are suggested to Sunset International Bible Institute, 3723 34th St., Lubbock, TX, 79410, or to Lubbock Christian School, 2604 Dover Ave., Lubbock, TX, 79407.

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