James H. Thornton

THORNTON James H. James H. Thornton, 77, of Toledo, passed away Thursday, October 19, 2006, in his home. Born October 7, 1929, in Toledo to Francis "Pat" and Grace (Brown) Thornton, he graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1947. Jim was a sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps and served as a drill instructor from February, 1949 until he was honorably discharged in October, 1952. Jim was a member of the First Marine Division H-3-1 and served his country in the Korean War where he earned a Purple Heart. Jim was a member of the Catholic War Vets, Logsdon_Walla Post #639. He worked as a tool and die maker first for the Electric Auto-Lite Company and then for the Champion Spark Plug Company where he worked for 32 years, retiring in February 1991. Jim was a devoted and loving husband and father. He spent many years coaching his kids and made it a point to never miss a game. He was a member of the Men's Club of Little Flower Parish where he was very active in volunteer work. He also volunteered his time as a ticket taker at St. John's Jesuit High School basketball games for many years while his sons attended. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Rosemary Holliday and brother, Robert Thornton. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Nancy J. (Gozdowski) Thornton; children, David and Julie (Jordan) and their children, Patrick and Ben; Kevin and his children, Karli (Josh) Woggon and Sam; Valerie and John Myers and their children, Jonathan, Jeremy and Justin; Mark and Christine (Samiec) and their children, Katie (fiance, Mike Evangelist), Betsy, Alex and Marcus; Paul and Sue (Creque) and their children, Andy and Chris; Mike and Micki (Jobuck) and their children, Andrea, Chelsea and Jenny; Connie and Darrel Limes and their children, Jenna and Jessica; great-granddaughter, Maggie Woggon; brother, Richard (Theresa) Thornton; sister-in-law, Roberta Thornton; brother-in-law, Charles "Sandy" Holliday of Crystal Springs, MS and many nieces and nephews. Friends may call at the Thomas I. Wisniewski Funeral Home, 2456 North Reynolds Rd. (419-531-4424) from 1-8 p.m. Sunday, October 22, 2006. Scripture services will be at held at 4 p.m. and the Catholic War Vets Rosary will be recited at 8 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 10 a.m. at Little Flower Catholic Church where friends will be received after 9 a.m. Burial, Resurrection Cemetery. Those wishing a memorial for Jim may consider Little Flower Church, Hospice of Northwest Ohio or an organization of their choice. The family wishes to thank all the friends and neighbors who have been so supportive these last 13-1/2 years. A special thank you to Father Joe, Jane Paquette, the nurses from Caring Services and Hospice of Northwest Ohio, especially nurse, Diane Braker.