Jonathan Michael Thornberry, 83, of New Waverly, Texas, passed away on November 2, 2025, peacefully with his family by his side. He was born in Conroe, Texas, on January 22, 1942, the fourth of seven children born to Emily Wiggins Thornberry and Owen Thomas Thornberry.
He is survived by his children, Rachel Chowdry (Rick), Julie Peeler (Justin), and Michael Thornberry; his daughter-in-law, Amanda Thornberry; and his son-in-law, Todd Yancey. He was a proud grandfather to Carter Yancey, Sarah Beth Todd (James), Caroline Thornberry, Sadie Peeler, Alonzo Peeler, Boone Peeler, Owen Thornberry, Ruby Thornberry, and a great-grandfather to Yancey Mae Todd. He is also survived by his former wife, Nevadia “Vickie” Thornberry Frame; his sister, Jeanne Donaldson; and numerous beloved members of the extended Thornberry family.
Jonathan was preceded in death by his beloved son, Fredrick David Thornberry; his parents, and his siblings, Owen Thornberry, Fredrick Thornberry, Marilyn Simonton, Julie Corley, and William Thornberry.
He grew up in Conroe, Texas, where he graduated from Conroe High School in 1960. He valued the friendships he made there and remained in touch with his classmates throughout his life.
He had a deep love for the outdoors, spending countless hours hunting with his children and managing his family’s ranching operations. An avid supporter of agriculture, he was active in 4-H during his youth, earning the 4-H Gold Star Award in 1959 and later the State 4-H Alumni Recognition Award in 1968. He remained passionate about agriculture throughout his life, generously supporting the Houston Livestock Show, the Walker County Fair Association, and serving as a Lifetime Member of the Montgomery County Fair Association.
His love of the outdoors extended beyond ranching and cattle. He received multiple Boone & Crockett Awards for caribou and whitetail deer, a testament to his lifelong passion for hunting.
He was a proud member of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Class of 1964. He served in the Corps of Cadets “Spider” D-1 outfit. During his time at Texas A&M, he was also an active member of the Texas Aggie Rodeo Association. While still in college, he began buying land and cattle—passions that shaped his entire career. His pride in being an Aggie never faded; His worn, almost unrecognizable class of '64 class ring never left his finger. He remained a loyal supporter of Texas A&M athletics and the Corps of Cadets throughout his life.
After graduating from Texas A&M University, he attended South Texas College of Law before being elected Montgomery County Judge at the age of 24 in 1966, making him the youngest county judge in the history of Montgomery County. He also served as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1968 in Chicago and was a lifetime member of the International Association of Lions Clubs. During his time as Montgomery County Judge, he married Nevadia “Vickie” Vick, and together they started their family.
Following his term in office, he pursued a successful career as a custom home builder before founding Thornberry Oilfield Service with his father in 1971, which he operated for over 25years. He held his Texas Real Estate Broker’s License for much of his life, combining his passion for land and business into a lasting career.
In later years, he owned and managed Thornberry Land and Cattle, investing in real estate and developing and managing land across Texas, Kansas, and Arkansas. His work included cattle operations, ranching, land management, and timberland investments. He took great pride in this work, which he considered his true calling, and continued it faithfully until the day he died. In his final years, he especially cherished time spent on his ranch in New Waverly with his loyal dog “Moose”, and at his office with his devoted assistant and dear friend Mario Aguirre.
Above all else, he was a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His family was the most essential part of his life, and he took immense pride in watching each generation grow. He loved sharing his passion for the outdoors with his children and grandchildren, passing down lessons and incredible stories of hard work, love of the land, and the joy of time spent together.
He lived his life grounded in hard work, a love for the outdoors, and deep devotion to his family. His legacy will live on through the land he built, the lessons he taught, and the family he cherished.
Please join the family in celebrating Jonathan’s life at 7 Bar Station in New Waverly, Texas, on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Texas A&M University Memorial Corps of Cadets Endowed Scholarship in the name of Fredrick David Thornberry, class of 1997.
