James N. Thornton

James N. Thornton, 79, passed away March 10, 2015. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 AM Saturday, March 14th at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church, 6415 NE Antioch Rd, Gladstone, MO 64119 where a visitation will begin at 9:00 AM with a Rosary prayed at 10:00 AM.

James was born March 25, 1935 to Jack and Wanda Thornton in Brookfield, MO. He married the love of his life, Linda Staples, in 1956. They enjoyed 57 years of marriage and now are together forever. James was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in the Southern European Task Force in Italy. He was a founding member of St. Andrew the Apostle Parish and lived his faith every day. He was in the grocery business for over 50 years, working at Milgram’s, Hen House and Price Chopper. He was preceded in death by his wife, Linda; parents; and brother, John Michael Thornton.

Survivors include his daughter, Angie (Lee) Francisco; son, Joe (Michelle) Thornton, all of Kansas City; grandchildren, Kassie, Branson, Alex, Emily, and Hayden; and great grandson, Anderson; a sister, Mary Alice (Bob) Maskill; sisters-in-law, Chris (Mike) Johnson and Sue Shaul; brother-in-law, Jim (Susie) Staples; and many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to give special thanks to Fr. Rogers, Fr. Fitzpatrick, Msgr. Mancuso, Dr. Bradley Garstang, Vicky Grant, and the entire staff of Our Lady of Mercy Country Home. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to St. Andrew the Apostle Parish or the chapel at Our Lady of Mercy Country Home.