Jimmy Dale Thornton

Dr. Jimmy Thornton, a man whose sense of humor was as robust as his love for feeding others, passed away on July 20, 2025, in Hutto, TX, after a valiant battle with cancer. Born on June 24, 1957, in Lubbock, TX, Jimmy was a talented man who could remodel a house with one hand while smoking a brisket with the other. He leaves behind a legacy of laughter, love, and an impressive assortment of tools.

Jimmy was the beloved husband of Debra, the high school sweetheart he never stopped trying to impress with his latest woodworking project or dad joke. He was the proud father of Jeremy and Justin. Jimmy loved his daughters-in-laws Rita and Nicole who brought joy and laughter to the family. He delighted in his grandchildren Preston and Griffin (children of Justin and Nicole), and Clay (son of Jeremy and Rita), his grandchildren were the light of his life. Jimmy's faith and family were the cornerstones of his life.

A man of many talents and a resume to match, Jimmy taught at Colorado Technical University, where he was an accomplished professor. Before shaping the minds of the future, he was a leader at the Canadian River Municipal Water Authorities where he built relationships with his coworkers who became good friends. He also owned Thornton Construction and Mechanical, a business built on his desire to help others and make life comfortable in their homes. In his retirement, he chose to keep himself busy by teaching students to drive. His students at the driving school will remember him as the instructor who put the "fun" in fundamentals, teaching them to drive as if they were navigating life – with caution, but respect and love of God.

His interests were as varied as his expertise. From woodworking to fishing. He loved to spend days having fun with his grandchildren. He would say "Let's see what trouble we can get into." and many other quotable Doda lines. Generous, creative, and handy are just the tip of the iceberg when describing Jimmy. Clay summed up his Doda the best when he said, "Doda does what Doda does." He was a man who could turn a piece of wood into a masterpiece, a simple meal into a feast, and any moment into a cherished memory.

The family will celebrate Jimmy with a come and go reception and BBQ on Saturday July 26th from 11am-1pm at Brentwood Oaks Church of Christ (in the parlor) in Austin, Texas.