Mr. James Russell Thornton

Birth date: Sep 4, 1940 Death date: Dec 5, 2013

Mr. James Russell Thornton, age 73, passed away Thursday morning, December 5, 2013, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born September 4, 1940 in Harrisville, MI to W.W. “Bill” and Evelyn (Gilpin) Thornton. Mr. Thornton Read Obituary

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Lynne Spencer

617w ago

I remember double dating with Jan and Russ in high school It was great to become reacquainted in the years since retirement. Jan, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Lynne and Tom Spencer

Norm Baumgarten

618w ago

Russ was my friend. I think we met at Moon School while watching the girls on the jungle-gym. We were "Moonies". Russ was a good shooter. Marble shooter I mean. I think he was the one who got my prized "cats-eye". Russ was a true friend. I knew he was a true friend because he forgave me but never forgot the time he suffered a bashed head and loose lip when my car hit that telephone pole while we were skipping school. Russ was a fast runner. I know he was fast because he beat me to his house when those Catholic High School guys attacked us. Russ was a great singer. I think this because, although I couldn't hear him to well, we both sang in the choir at Lakeside Baptist Church. Russ was a great seaman. He was in the Sea Scouts and demonstrated his nautical expertise
as captain of the rowboat we borrowed from the cottage next to church camp. Even in later life Russ was a great captain.He told me so as we bounced across the waves in his zillion horsepower boat off Drummond Island.To sum it up, Russ was great, he was my friend, and I'll miss him very much.

Charlie &Sally Arundquist

618w ago

Russ and I could share many memories, good and bad. He was a great friend and boy could he eat the perch. Sally and I will miss the big guy...we go back 60 years. Jan, our prayers are with you ...we are in Arizona now, but when we get back to Muskegon I think we should plan a "Moonie Meeting"

Lorri, Sophia And Olivia Hinton

618w ago

in honor of James.

To the Thornton/Bell Family,

A lit candle with a soft flame, surrounded by small white flowers and green leaves, set against a warm yellow background.

Ginna And Mike Sabol

618w ago

in honor of James.

A large, lit white candle with a subtle wax drip on a beige background, accompanied by a white and pink paper flower on the right side.

Ginna And Mike Sabol

618w ago

I joined my husband in Germany, after we were married and then a week later Jan joined Jim!! Being newly married we hit it off immediately and became fast friends, doing everything together! Some good, some silly and some stupid things!! We went everywhere together! So much fun, so many memories!! That was back in 1963 and 64 and we have stayed in touch and friends ever since and I have ALWAYS felt my life was richer by knowing them!! You will be sorely missed my friend, but I do treasure the times we had you and regret nothing!! You left a wonderful legacy in your wife, children and grand children! They will miss you, we all will miss you!! Till we meet again, know you are missed and loved by all!! Save a seat for us in Heaven! God Bless you and may you RIP!! <3

Alex

618w ago

Created a new album - New Album Name.

Alex & Roxanne Picard

618w ago

Russ was my life long friend we grew from grade school, too high school, college and the military, then our careers and later in life our retirement. He and Jan were also 50 year friends of my wife RoxAnne. He was a "MOONIE". We had many good times! He made a mark and he will be missed.

Nell Mackey

618w ago

in honor of James.

I remember way back in highschool, Russ and his group of guys gad a slogan that went:

"if you need help and we are here, we will help you, never fear".

Russ was a fun guy, who had the good fortune to marry my dear friend, Jan.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Jan, Shelly, Ginger, Kristi, the grandkids.

Love, Nell Mackey

Lisa Martin

618w ago

Even though I only met you a couple of times, I feel like I know so well. After working with your daughter, Ginger, and becoming friends, we would often share stories about our dads. There are so many similarities between you and my dad. Strict disciplinarian and tough dad but could be an old softy too. My dad lost his battle to cancer 9 years ago but hisife, lessons and legacy live on through me and my family. Just as yours will live on through your daughters and grandkids and family. I know you will be missed by many but never forgotten. I pray that your family will take comfort in knowing you are walking with our Heavenly Father and watching over them until we can all be together again. Enjoy your forever home in paradise and save us a spot!

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