James Franklin “Jim” Thornton, 82, of Palatka, passed from this life on Saturday, August 1, 2020 at Haven Hospice Roberts Care Center following an extended illness. He was a native of Indianapolis, IN and had lived in Putnam County since 1979 coming from Miami. He was a veteran of the US Army. Jim, aka “Red”, worked as a cable splicer for Florida Power & Light, and retired in 1993 after 34 years of service. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed coaching soccer when his children were young. He was a member of Bassmasters and was a part of the 1986 State Champion team. Jim loved anything on the water and has traveled by sea from the Florida Keys to Baltimore, Maryland. Jim was also known as the in-house “Handyman” with A Women’s Resource Center in Palatka. Jim was also a member of Peniel Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Shirley Thornton of Palatka, son, James F. Thornton, Jr. of Ft. Lauderdale, daughter, Kelly L. Goldsborough of Annapolis, MD, sister, Camilla Bonner of Dunnellon, and 2 grandchildren, Darren and Dillon Goldsborough.
Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 5, 2020 at Peniel Baptist Church with Bro. Benny Reynolds officiating. The family will receive friends at the church on Wednesday beginning at 12:00 p.m. until time of services.
Flowers are gratefully accepted, or memorial donations may be made to A Woman’s Resource Center, P. O. Box 811, Palatka, FL 32177.
Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at James’s Book of Memories page at www.johnsonoverturffunerals.com .
Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka.