Photography

James Michael Thornton

September 26, 1951 ~ March 9, 2023 (age 71) 71 Years Old
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Obituary

James "Michael" Thornton (JT), age 71, was born on September 26th, 1951, in Dayton, Ohio to the late James H. Thornton and Annie B (Griffin) Thornton, he was the fifth child and the only boy out of six children.

He graduated from Paul Lawrence Dunbar High School, class of '69. He went on to earn his Undergrad Bachelor of Science in Analytical Chemistry from HBCU Central State University c/o '75, then his Master’s in Education Administration from University of Dayton c/o '93.

From his first job with Wendy's, to retiring from Dayton/Columbus public school district after 30 plus years as an Educator, to his final job with Marc's (Westerville, OH) he displayed an exemplary work ethic, passion for education, and uplifting those around him.

James lived life to the fullest and had a very special love for his two daughters, family, and friends. He enjoyed making an impact in the lives of his students and families, and making people smile daily.

James is welcomed into heaven by his parents James H. and Annie B. (Griffin) Thornton, Aunt Johnnie Mae (Griffin), sister and brother-n-law Sylvia (Thornton) and Thomas Boykin, nephew Nicholas Collier, and best friend Ida L. Stevenson.

He leaves behind to celebrate and carry his legacy, two daughters Britany D.M. Thornton (Marietta Spicer) and A'ja U.P.M. Reed-Wellington (Angel Reed); Sister's Barbra Ann Moss, Deborah Cundiff Goodson (Richard), Florence "Jeanie" Revis (Kirk), and Carla Thornton-Arnold (Derek); a host of nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews; God children Alicia Thomas, Sheilla Lawrence, and Bryan Wood; Special friends, Betty C. Carpenter, Bruce Cannon and a host of loving friends.

Visitation 11am-1pm Monday, March 20 at House of Wheat Funeral Home, 2107 N. Gettysburg Avenue, Dayton, OH. Family to receive friends, 12 pm to 1 pm. Homegoing celebration to begin at 1pm (Mask Required).

 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Michael Thornton, please visit our floral store.


Services

Visitation
Monday
March 20, 2023

11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
House of Wheat Funeral Home, Inc.
2107 N. Gettysburg Ave.
Dayton, OH 45406

Homegoing Service
Monday
March 20, 2023

1:00 PM
House of Wheat Funeral Home, Inc.
2107 N. Gettysburg Ave.
Dayton, OH 45406

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In Loving Memory Of

James Thornton

September 26, 1951-March 9, 2023




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Family and friends are coming together online to create a special keepsake. Every memory left on the online obituary will be automatically included in the book.   


Online Memory & Photo Sharing Event
Ongoing
Online Event

profile

In Loving Memory Of

James Thornton

September 26, 1951-March 9, 2023




Look inside to read what others have shared


Family and friends are coming together online to create a special keepsake. Every memory left on the online obituary will be automatically included in the book.   


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