James "Jim" Matthew Thornton Sr.

James (Jim) Matthew Thornton, Sr., Age 88 of Naples, Florida, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at Friends of Hospice Serenity House, Morristown, Tennessee surrounded by his three daughters. Born December 4, 1934, in Paducah, Kentucky, Jim was the son of the late Guy Thornton and Edith (Griffing) Thornton. Jim worked as a Regional Manager of Stride Rite Shoes for many years and prior to that, he worked for Goldblatts and Sears. After retiring, he and his wife, Karen moved to Naples, Fl so that he could enjoy his second love, Golf. He could probably tell anyone about any golf course in the area. Jim is preceded in death by his loving wife of 42 years, Karen (Iverson) Thornton, (deceased - November 22, 2022 and his identical twin brother, Gene Vandergriff. He is survived by his son, James M. Thornton Jr. (Pam), his three loving daughters, Rhonda (Mike) Garrison, Jackie (Jay Sr - deceased) Lambert, Tammy (Don) Barnes. Grandchildren, Andrew Barnes, Taylor Barnes, Melissa Price, Jay Lambert Jr. (Chasity), Stacey Homberg (Brad), Mandy Breier (Ron),Christina Eddy, Kenny Barnes and Donald Barnes. 17 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. Jim will be missed dearly by family and his many friends including his golf buddies that he became friends with over the years. Per Jim’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded and Jim and Karen’s ashes will be spread out and a private family and friend interment will be held in the Gulf of Mexico over the summer. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made as gifts in Jim’s name to the American Lung Cancer Association or Friends of Hospice of the Lakeway Area, Inc. 421 N. High Street, Morristown, TN 37814.