Jack Elvin Thornton

Jack Elvin Thornton, age 87, of Byron Center Michigan, was welcomed into Heaven on July 3, 2025, by his Savior and Lord Jesus Christ, who had prepared a place for him. We rejoice in knowing that Jack loved the Lord with all his heart and talked with Him daily.

Jack grew up in West Michigan. He caught the eye of his wife of 66 years, Gerry (Christman), while at a basketball game at Caledonia High School. They married after two years and raised their family in the area. Jack served his community in many various roles, including the Kent County Sheriff Department and the board for the Lighthouse Keeper’s Association of Michigan, helping to restore and preserve the Northwest Michigan lighthouses. His working career was at Steelcase, where he began as a welder, moving through the system to tool and die, and retiring as a safety engineer after 27 years. After retirement, he was a truck driver for Savory Foods, earning the nickname “Jack the Cookie Man,” while reviving his agricultural roots farming in Reed City. He loved the outdoors, camping, hunting, snowmobiling, and entertaining grandkids with Gerry at their cottage. He was creative and skilled, living up to his name as a “Jack” of all trades.

Jack’s outgoing personality and quick wit brought joy to those around him; everyone became his friend. He was a loving and devoted husband, proud father and grandfather, enjoying every opportunity he had with his family.

Jack is survived by his wife, Geraldine; children Brad (Glenda) Thornton and Rhonda (Kevin) Slagter; grandchildren Jack Thornton (and his daughter, Kylie), Shay (Leah) Slagter, Clifton (Jenna) Thornton, Kylia Slagter (and her children Ezra and Egan), Asia (Trevor) Garbow (and their daughter, Laken), and Dane Slagter (Savannah DeNaumer).

Visitation with friends and relatives will be held from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at Cook Funeral Home - Byron Center Chapel, 2067 84th St. SW, Byron Center, MI 49315. A celebration of Jack’s life will commence 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 9, 2025, with visitation one hour prior to the service, at Cook Funeral Home - Byron Center Chapel. Pastor Jonathan Christman will be officiating.

In honor of Jack and in lieu of flowers, donations checks can be made to the Children’s Advocacy Center of Michigan, 2855 Michigan St. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506 (https://cacmi.org/donate/). The family welcomes memories and messages www.cookcaresbyron.com in their guest book online.