James Alfred Thornton

James Alfred Thornton died on April 20, 2026, his 82nd birthday at his sister’s house in Durham, CA. Born April 20, 1944, in San Fransico, to Barbara and Alfred Thornton, with his identical twin Gerald born 10 minutes later, as Jim liked to remind Jerry.

Jim lived most of his life in Oroville, attending both elementary and high school here. In 1963, he joined the US Army, spending his enlistment in Fort Benning, GA and was honorably discharged in 1965. Upon leaving the Army, Jim moved to Chester, CA where he met and married Randee Weston, with whom he had two sons. In 1967, Jim decided to re-enlist in the military only this time in the US Navy, being stationed in Mayport, FL.

Jim returned to Oroville and worked at Louisiana Pacific for several years before going to work for the US Postal Service, retiring in October 2003 after thirty years.

Jim enjoyed reading, watching football and golf, and playing golf with family and friends. He looked forward to participating in the Oroville Moose Lodge #519 golf tournaments, of which he was a member. Jim especially enjoyed keeping in touch with his lifelong friends, many of whom he had known since second grade and Cub Scouts.

In Sept 2020, having previously moved to Berry Creek, Jim lost everything in the Bear Fire. Not wanting to rebuild, he accepted an offer from his niece Wendy to move with her to New Mexico, then two years later moving to Illinois. In 2024 Jim decided it was time to move back home to Oroville.

With his failing health, Jim lived with his sister, then moved to Townsend House in Chico. We appreciate the care given to him there, as well as the care Butte Hospice provided.

Jim is survived by his son Slade Thornton, grandchildren Jessica, Cheyanne, Brandon and Krista, several great-grandchildren; sister Susan Grimm McHarg, sister-in-law Bonnie Blacet Grimm and Teresa Moench Thornton; several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by father Alfred Thornton, mother Barbara Grimm, brother Jerry Thornton and Rick Grimm, son James B. Thornton and brother-in-law Art McHarg.

Jim, Jerry, Rick, and Art are making up a foursome once again, playing bad golf, well, except for Rick, and razzing each other non-stop.

Donations can be made to the local Northwest SPCA ant 2787 Sout 5th Ave, Oroville, CA 95965

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