Rev. James Welford (Jim) Thornton, Sr.
January 7, 1945 – October 2, 2023
Rev. James Welford (Jim) Thornton, Sr. died peacefully at home on October 2, 2023, after a long, hard-fought battle with cancer and kidney disease. Jim is survived by his wife, Sandra Benson Thornton; son, James W. (Jay) Thornton, Jr., and wife, Natalie; daughter, Julie T. Hull and husband, Tim; beloved grandchildren, Sarah Anne Hull, Rachel Elizabeth Hull, Eryn Delaney Thornton, Macauley Grace Thornton, and Zachary Holman Thornton and wife, Kim; sister, Ann T. Simmons; sister-in-law, Catherine Thornton; several nieces and nephews; and a host of cousins. Jim was predeceased by his parents, Thomas Holman and Evelyn Harris Thornton; wife, Carol Rogers Thornton; and brother, Thomas Holman Thornton, Jr.
Jim grew up in Highland Park in Richmond and was a proud member of the Corps of Cadets at John Marshall High School, from which he graduated in 1963. He attended Virginia Tech and Richmond Professional Institute (RPI), being awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology and Social Welfare from RPI, followed by a Master of Social Work degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. Jim enjoyed a career in the Virginia law enforcement and criminal justice systems followed by service in the federal system as a U. S. Probation Officer until 1991, when he responded to a call to ordained ministry in the United Methodist Church (UMC). Jim’s first appointment was to a 3-point charge as a student-pastor in Accomack County on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, serving churches in Saxis, Sanford, and Hallwood. He also served Drummondtown UMC and Woodberry UMC in Accomack. Jim later served Macedonia UMC in Louisa County and Byrd Chapel UMC in Fluvanna County, a 10-year appointment. Jim retired from Ivy Creek UMC in Albemarle County in 2016 after serving that congregation for nine years. His Master of Divinity from The Wesley Theological Seminary was conferred in 1995. Among the many things for which Jim will be remembered are his commitment to the gospel of his Lord, Jesus Christ; his humble strength; his calm but firm leadership; his wisdom and encouragement; and his compassionate, reassuring presence. And his sense of fun and humor and love of fishing, movies, music, and singing with the men’s chorus!
A Service of Death and Resurrection will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at Woodward Funeral Home, 200 Fredericksburg Ave, Louisa, VA 23093, at 2:00 p.m with the Rev. David R. Palmer officiating. Family visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. Following the service, a reception will be hosted by Louisa United Methodist Church, 100 E. Main St, Louisa, VA 23093. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Kidney Fund, 11921 Rockville Pike, Suite 300, Rockville, MD 20852.
Sandra & Family,
May memories comfort you at this difficult time. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Sandra and family, my deepest sympathy on your loss of Jim. He was a very special man and I know you miss him deeply. Take care of yourself and remember all of the happy times with Jim.
Captain Thornton and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. We all can empathize with you and your loss, and we know that God has your dad in his arms.
Child Safety Office
Chesterfield County Police Department
RIP Jim thank you for your service and marrying me my thoughts and prayers goes out to all of his family
We first met Jim at Drummonftown Methodist Church in Accomac. We loved
Jim dearly. At that time Jim ministered to us as we lost my father Harry. He was there for us in many ways and very supportive. A good listener and a true man if God.
Sandy, I know you will miss Jim so much but he is at peace now and you know you will see him again one day. Jim was a wonderful minister and friend and we all loved him at Macedonia. Prayers for you and your family during this sad time?
May god hug you and your family during this difficult time. He was a great man in many ways …
To the entire Thornton family, Jim was one of a kind man. He had a heart that was full of love and compassion. When my mom died Jim was so comforting and made my family feel and understand that it was ok, if that makes any sense. He did the Memory of Life service for mom and if was so beautiful! Thank you Jim. During football season Jim and my dad would joke back and forth about which team was better, the Redskins or the Cowboys. Rest in peace Jim and know that your memory will live on!
Jim and Carol were supporters and willing workers at Chester United Methodist Church before his call to the ministry. They were strong Christians and both became Methodist pastors! What a legacy to leave to their children. I did not know of Jim’s illness and battle. What a loss to his family and to all of us who loved him. My prayers to Sandy and his children and grandchildren as they mourn the loss of such a wonderful and kind man.
Sandra and family, My heartfelt sympathy in your loss of such a compassionate Christian. Jim supported me and my husband in our battles with cancer. His kind words brought us peace! I often told my relatives at Macedonia how blessed they were to have Jim as their pastor. May peace be with you .
I just heard about Jim’s passing. I knew Jim when he was pastor at Macedonia UMC in Louisa. He was so easy to talk to and great listener. I appreciated how he always taught us that having a relationship with Christ was so important. He was non-judgemental and compassionate. When I spoke with him, I felt like we were the only people in the room. He was always kind to me and my children. He was an excellent pastor! I was devastated when he left out church. I’ve always thought of him fondly and hoped he was doing well. I’m so sorry to learn of his illness and death. And I am so very sorry for your loss. He was a true light in the world and I know he touched the hearts of many others during his life, like he did for me.
Sandra and family our condolences on your loss of a wonderful man. May the fond memories bring you peace as Jim has found his peace with his Lord
Sandra & family, accept our sympathy. Know that we will continue to pray for your comfort & peace. The lives Jim has touched, the lights he has lit, will echo his message through the ages. Truly a blessing to have worshipped with him.
Sandra,
Thinking of you and all the love you shared… we will enjoy fond memories from the services Jim delivered giving us hope. Enjoyed the times in Bible Study on Sunday nights. We had a fun group. Enjoyed working on “FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS”.