John’s greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Trena Thornburg of Okemos; daughters Dr. Courtney Thornburg (Agustin Calatroni) of La Jolla, California, and Cassandra Thornburg of East Lansing, Michigan; and five cherished granddaughters: Cecilia and Sofia Calatroni of La Jolla, and Ruby, Hazel, and Lulu Hatfield of East Lansing. He is also survived by his siblings Jill, Tom, and Jenny with whom he grew up on Lake Syracuse in Indiana. He was predeceased by his parents.
John pursued an extensive and distinguished education in pharmacy and pharmacology. At Purdue University, he earned his B.S. in Pharmacy in 1965, an M.S. in Pharmacology in 1968 and a Ph.D. in Pharmacology in 1970. His dedication to the field led him to further his studies at MSU, where he obtained his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree in 1976 and joined the faculty in 1977 in Pharmacology/Toxicology and Family and Community Medicine. He achieved Emeritus status in 2010 and continued with a part time appointment until 2021. His clinical practice was at the MSU Clinical Center and Ingham County Adult Health Clinic. During his tenure he published over 60 papers and book chapters, mentored hundreds of students, taught live and online pharmacology for nursing students at the University of Michigan (Flint), and was awarded numerous awards including the highest honors from the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners.
John was known for his soft-spoken and kind demeanor, coupled with a subtle yet wonderful sense of humor. He was an avid reader and a passionate college sports enthusiast, always a Boilermaker at heart. He also enjoyed skiing (both water and cross country), swimming, puzzles, traveling, theater, and spending time with his daughters and granddaughters in East Lansing and La Jolla.
A memorial service and reception will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 2 pm, at The Presbyterian Church of Okemos, where he had served as an elder and Sunday School teacher.
John’s legacy of kindness, intellect, and devotion to family will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made to any of the following charities:
Spartan Street Medicine
Mail to: Michigan State University, Memo line: AS000131, in memory of Dr. John Thornburg, 535 Chestnut Rd, Room 300, East Lansing, MI 48823
https://givingto.msu.edu/gift/?sid=1984
University of Michigan Medical School’s Student Run Free Clinic
https://victors.us/thornburg
The Presbyterian Church of Okemos
May be designated to Memorial Fund, Deacon’s Fund or Youth Mission Fund. Please leave check in the Memorial Basket or mail to: PCO, 2258 Bennett Road, Okemos, MI 48864
