James Edward Thornton, 83, passed away on Monday, September 29, 2025. James was born on September 1, 1942, in Conroe, Texas, to his late parents, Constance and Prentist Thornton. After serving as a Radio Operator in the United States Army, James worked as a Heavy Equipment Mechanic. James belonged to the International Union of Operating Engineers Local #406. He was a simple man who loved tractors and enjoyed watching westerns. Most of all he loved his family, especially his great-grandbabies.
James is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Harry "Burt" Thornton; and sisters, Frances Ann McNabb and Mary Kathryne Estes.
Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 60 years, Beverly Ann Mier Thornton of Sulphur; sons, Darrell Thornton and wife, Jeri of Jasper, Texas, James "Sam" Thornton, and Timothy "Buck" Thornton; daughter, Aledia Miller and husband, Darin of Carlyss; grandchildren: Jessica, Andrew (Meghan), Austin and Lexie (Austin); along with great-grandchildren: Ansley, Arabella, Mollie, Maycie and Rowdy.
Funeral Services will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Hixson Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home. Pastor Jeremy Blocker will Officiate. Burial will follow at Big Woods Cemetery in Vinton. Visitation will be held from 10 am until time of service. Words of comfort, expressions of sympathy and memories may be shared with the family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com.
