Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1943
DIED
2021
James Thornal Obituary
Dec. 2, 1943 - Jan. 9, 2021
James Royce Thornal of Red Oak, Texas, passed away on January 9, 2021, at the age of 77 and is in the presence of his Lord and Savior, singing in the Heavenly choir.
Royce was born in Waco, Texas, on December 2, 1943, to James Augustus (J.A.) and Fannie (Hill) Thornal where he grew up with older brother, Charles. Royce graduated from University High School where a love for basketball flourished. Royce had a unique combination of talents. He graduated from Baylor University in 1966. After college, his career began as a high school basketball coach and teacher. While connecting to the younger generation, he served as a music and youth director then eventually becoming a pastor. Royce served on staff at various Texas churches in the cities of Bellmead, Waco, Houston, McAllen, Mexia, Woodway, Liberty, DeSoto, North Richland Hills, and Waxahachie. Plus, he also helped to establish successful Christian schools in several of these churches. He also worked in helping schools with fundraising opportunities through the Liberty Card of Texas. Royce became a licensed Texas insurance adjuster after Hurricane Katrina. He, alongside Janita, served as an on-site Cares Team through Apartment Life. Upon retiring, he was a beloved substitute at DeSoto ISD.
Survived by wife, Janita Dickinson Thornal; children, Wendy (Shannon) Morris, Kevin (Danielle) Thornal; and stepdaughter, Kelsie (Jeremy) Irion; grandchildren, Tory (Ryan) Landis, Cody Morris, Madison Thornal, Jax Thornal; and stepgrandchildren, Kolten Irion and Kahlen Irion; great-granddaughter, Blakely Landis; brother, Charles (Dorothy) Thornal; niece and nephew. Preceded in death by parents, J.A. and Fannie Thornal; and daughter, D'Ann Thornal.
A "Celebration of Life" Memorial will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, February 6, at Farley Street Baptist Church; 1116 Brown Street; Waxahachie, TX. His body was donated to science through the UNT Willed Body Program.
Memories and Condolences
for James Thornal
Janell & James (Jim) Moore
February 6, 2021
In loving memory of a wonderful friend and man of God. What a blessing Royce has been to the Kingdom of God! Looking forward to the day when we will see him again in Heaven, but most of all when we see Jesus face to face. What a Day That Will Be!
Billie Sue Blocher
February 6, 2021
So sorry to hear about Royce. I'm thinking about all of you and keeping you in my prayers.
Marisa Detrick
February 3, 2021
Prayers for the family. Royce was such a caring man.
Raymond Teske, Jr.
January 30, 2021
Royce and I were in the same class at University High School and later at Baylor University. Please accept my most sincere sympathy in the loss of your beloved husband and family member. I pray that the Lord grant you the peace and comfort that only He can give.
Jerry Brock
January 30, 2021
So sorry for your loss. Royce was a good friend in High School.
Rosemary Holtsclaw
January 29, 2021
Sorry to lose a friend and longtime classmate. Royce was a very talented person. His beautiful voice will be missed.
Dewenda"Wendy" Cooper
January 26, 2021
My prayers for the family. Janita sorry for your loss but Jesus is our promise.
Clifford Piper
January 26, 2021
Janita, sorry for your loss. I enjoyed getting know you both.
Lynn Tolliver
January 26, 2021
So sorry Janita but so thankful we have the hope if heaven. Royce and dad are walking on gold streets! Love you and praying for you and the family.
Josh Toby
January 25, 2021
I have the warmest memories of Royce. He had a genuine joy that was absolutely infectious. He will always be my favorite music minister! He was a blessing to anyone who met him, and he will be missed.
Dianne Friend
January 25, 2021
My sympathy is extended to you, Royce´s family. I have fond memories of his mother, a great teacher, and of Charles´s and Royce´s beautiful voices.
Susan-Jay Stone
January 25, 2021
Praying for your family. We will miss Royce
Tony and Debbie Pace
January 24, 2021
Royce was truly a unique individual with many talents. He had such a positive impact on my life. He is now rejoicing with the King of Kings!
Fran McClintock
January 24, 2021
So sorry to lose an old friend from our gang at Emmanuel Baptist church.
Shirley Horton
January 24, 2021
You were such a blessing to me and Ernest. RIP, my friend. You will be in my heart forever.
Mike Pavelka
January 24, 2021
He was a very good plan and a Christian example for young people to follow
SUE LOWRY
January 24, 2021
Thoughts and prayers for the family in the loss of your loved one.
charles wallis
January 24, 2021
I have never had a friend like Royce since high school.
Ray Chancellor
January 24, 2021
Royce and I began teaching at LaVega at the same time and during that first year were roommates living above the Kirk's Barbershop on Bellmead Drive. While in High School we competed against each other in basketball. Not only was he a better basketball player but he could sing a bit better also! My thoughts and prayers are extended to his family and friends.
Walter Grisham
January 24, 2021
Great Basketball player at UHS. Who could Really sing ! We will miss him at next 1962 Reunion. WG
Jenny Raymond
January 24, 2021
I went to Kendrick Elementary with Royce, then moved across town and graduated from WHS. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing but rejoice as we he was welcomed with the words, well done good and faithful Servant. I understand your sorrow; but you can stand assured because of his steadfast Faith in Jesus.
Betty Willis
January 24, 2021
So sorry Charles and Dorothy. Loved hearing him sing.
Mary Keefer
January 23, 2021
Until we meet again.
Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results
Make a Donation
in James Thornal's name
Memorial Events
for James Thornal
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor James Thornal's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
