James Thornton

TAMMS, Ill. — James F. Thornton, 82, of Tamms died Saturday, Nov. 1, 2008, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

He was born on Sept. 24, 1926 in Jackson, Tenn., the son of Huey and Resse Mae Bell Thornton. He married Mary Abernathy on March 27, 1948. She preceded him in death on June 12, 2006.

He was a member of the Tamms Methodist Church. He retired from Illinois Central Gulf Railroad after 33 years. He served as maintenance superintendent for the Village of Tamms for many years. James also owned and operated Thornton Electric for more than 50 years.

He is survived by three daughters, Mary E. Thornton and Dee Vaughn, both of Tamms, and Judi Collins of Tallahassee, Fla.; five grandchildren, Chris Langston, Stacey Green, Kaleb Nunn, Wade Collins and Katie Collins; four great-grandchildren, Will and Caroline Langston and Joshua and Miranda Green; a sister, Ella Ruth (Charles) Jeter of Jackson, Tenn.; nieces; nephews; other relatives; and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Mary on June 12, 2006, and a son-in-law, Kevin Collins.

Visitation will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at Crain Funeral Home in Tamms.

Graveside funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at McCrite Cemetery in Tamms, with the Rev. Brent Gordon and Pastor Pete Vinson officiating.

To leave online condolences, visit www.crainsonline.com.