Obituary of James Howard Thornton
With heavy hearts the family of James Howard Thornton announce his passing on December 22, 2024.
Jimmie was born April 12, 1937, St. Stephen New Brunswick.
Jimmie is survived by his son Joshua (PJ) Thornton, grandson’s Rory, Callum and Beckett, granddaughter Fern from Durham Ontario; brother John (Bud) Thornton of Lincoln Me; sister Jill Card (Vern) and many nieces, nephews and cousins from British Columbia, Maine and North Carolina.
Jimmie was proceeded in death by his mother, Francis M. (peanut) Thornton Goodill; Father, Howard Vinal (Red) Thornton, Sister Sheryl Anna Broccoli, wife Carolyn Thornton Ohio and Donna (Hossack) Thornton St. Stephen NB
Jimmie’s primary education was in Saint John NB, going to Winter Street School, Princess Elizabeth School and Saint John High. He furthered his education in Montreal where he graduated from McGill University.
Jimmie’ s accomplishments were many. He had an avid love for the Arts, to which he devoted his life work.
In Jim’s early years he taught Art and Design at Buena Vista College, Virginia. He also taught at the Columbus College of Art and Design in Columbus Ohio, and Hebrew School in Ontario. He also taught at St. Stephen High and at UNB Fredericton.
Jim’s Artwork was recognized in Art Galleries in the Southern USA: Gallery of Contemporary Art Winson Salem, Eric Schindler Gallery Richmond Virginia among many pieces of his work; Mid-West USA: Columbus Gallery of fine Arts, Columbus Ohio, University of Notre Dame, South Bend Indiana among many pieces of his work. Reidell Galleries, Eastport, Me.
Canada: His work was recognized at The New Brunswick Museum, St. John, New Brunswick, Montreal Museum of fine Arts, Montreal Quebec, Sir George Williams University, Montreal Quebec, Art Gallery of Ontario, and through out Ontario
Jim’s last Art Gallery showing was in St. Andrews New Brunswick, Meuller Gallery.
His talent was unlimited, from composing short stories, to his musical abilities of playing the piano, harmonica and seeing him march in the Remembrance Day parade as a drummer. His wit never failed to bring laughter and smiles.
His zest for learning and teaching others was a joy in his life. Teaching the discovery of expression through the Arts.
A response from our dear friend states it all: “I hope the warmth of Jimmie’s spirit, his joy for life, his loving soul and his deep connections with people and nature will continue to inspire many and uplift many. He will always be missed dearly but his essence is always with us in spirit.
A very heart full thank-you to the staff at Passamaquoddy Lodge for the care and love given to Jimmie. He would smile his biggest smile when you would come into his room.
At Jim’s request there was to be no visitation or funeral. An internment for family was held in St. Stephen on October 11, 2025.
He is in his element now, capturing the beauty that surrounds him. Salvation in fullness.
Online condolences or donations can be made at www.humphreysfh.com
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care & direction of Humphreys Funeral Home, 20 Marks St. St. Stephen, NB E3L 2B2 (506 – 466 – 3110).
