James Michael Thornton

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).

 

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