James Thomas 'J. T.' Thornton Jr.

Amory – James Thomas Thornton, Jr., 92, passed away on Sunday, March 22, 2015, at NMMC, Iuka. Born on September 19, 1922, in Lackey, he was a son of the late Jodie Fowlkes and James Thomas Thornton, Sr.

Mr. Thornton was a graduate of Becker School, Class of 1940. He honorably served in the US Navy as a Machinist Mate in World War II. On March 17, 1946, he married Dorothy Ann Lantz. Mr. Thornton worked at Waterbury Tool Company, Amory Water Plant, Jones Motor Company, Gulf Service Station, and retired in 1984, as the operator of Columbus AFB Water Plant. A dedicated member of North Blvd. Christian Church, he was a Deacon and a former Sunday school teacher. A loving husband, father and grandfather, whose life was surrounded by his family, Mr. Thornton enjoyed traveling with his wife to all 48 states camping in their motor home, fishing and hunting, and Southern Gospel music.

Survivors include his daughter, Lori Ann Thornton, Morristown, TN; sons, James Thomas Thornton, III, (Gwen), Iuka and Gary Lee Thornton (Rhoda), Waterford; brother, Jack Hansel Thornton, Madison; grandchildren, Steven Michael Thornton, Sheridan, WY, Andrea Brook Thornton, Saltillo, Eric Lantz Thornton, West Point, Paige Olivia Thornton, Starkville, Derek Leavell Thornton, Byhalia, TSgt. Micah Lee Thornton, USAF, Knob Noster, MO, and Amy Lynn Bell, Slayden; great-grandchildren, Hannah Konetzski; Aryia Reeves; Jayne Fouche; Sarah Smith; Erik Erwin; Joshua, Katelyn, Alexia, Autumn, Jada, Sawyer Thornton; Holly, Kayla and Wyatt Bell; nieces & nephews, Keith and Joe Thornton; Tom Lantz; Len Feuerhelm; and Linda Hopkins.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Ann Thornton.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11 AM, Thursday, March 26 at E. E. Pickle Funeral Home, Amory with Bro. Buzz Wilkinson and Bro. Ferman Anderson officiating. Burial will follow in Haughton Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Mike Bryan, Chad Logan, Steve Logan, Jackie Palmer, Ronnie Mixon, Eric Thornton and Derek Thornton.

Visitation will be from 5 - 8 PM, Wednesday and 10 AM until the service hour at the funeral home.

Memorials may be given to N. Blvd. Christian Church, P. O. Box 472, Amory, MS 38821 or St. Jude, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Memories and condolences may be shared with her/his family at EEPickleFuneralHome.com.