James Matthew Thornton

In Loving Memory of James Matthew Thornton

May 10, 2001 – February 10, 2026

James Matthew Thornton, age 24, passed away on February 10, 2026, at

home in Oakland Park, Florida.

James was born on May 10, 2001, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to James

and Shari Thornton. When James was just 11 years old, he endured the

heartbreaking loss of his mother, Shari, who remained forever in his

heart.

Left-handed and naturally creative, James had a passion for writing and

self-expression. He loved going to the movies and traveling, especially to

the Orlando theme parks. At 19, James traveled to Israel through the

Birthright Israel program. During his ten-day journey, he swam in the

Dead Sea, rode a camel in the desert, and celebrated life in a Tel Aviv

nightclub-memories that reflected his adventurous spirit and love of new

experiences.

James also shared a special bond with his father through travel, including

a memorable trip to San Diego for Comic-Con when he was 14. He had

also visited family in Nova Scotia and Ontario, Canada, where he was

warmly loved by numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

James will be remembered for his gentle heart, quiet strength, and the

kindness he shared with everyone around him.

He is survived by his father, James Thornton; his stepmother, Norah

Spitzer-Thornton; his stepbrother, Jacob Spitzer; his paternal

grandmother, Marie Thornton; his great-uncle, Robert H. Thornton; aunts

Janice Conn and Jacqueline Shapiro; uncle Mark Conn; cousins Mark

Newbill, his fiancée Danielle Shiveler, and their son Tucker Pascale;

Shannon Gangemi; and Alexa Anderson; and his loving girlfriend Marley

Swarthout, along with her parents, James and Eileen. He is also survived

by numerous loving aunts, uncles, and cousins in Nova Scotia and

Ontario, Canada.

James was preceded in death by his mother, Shari Thornton; his paternal

grandfather, James M. Thornton; his aunt Jean Marie "Do Do" Thornton;

his uncle Ray Balukas; and his maternal grandmother, Iris Portnoy.

Memorial Service:

Falowski Kalis McIntee Funeral & Cremation Services

900 NW 5th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33311

Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Forever loved, never forgotten.