James Richard Thornton, 50, of Austin, Texas passed away Friday, March 21, 2008 in Austin. He was born April 23, 1957 in Lubbock, TX, the son of David Richard and Loeta Mae West Thornton. James Richard graduated from Round Rock High School and attended Kansas State University in Kansas. He lived in Austin since 1967 except for 10 years in Oregon (1989-1998). James Richard was a licensed journeyman plumber working with new construction, as well as an artisan working with oil, pen and ink painting. He also worked for Mouser Inc., marker of miniature muzzleloaders and equipment and miniature crossbows. James Richard was a musician, songwriter, and lead guitar with the Jimmie Dick and the Bonafide Rockers (rock band). He was also an avid collector and restorer of antique Chevrolet trucks for many years (25 or so). On September 11, 2000, James Richard Thornton and JoAnne Englerth were married in Austin.

He is survived by his parents, David Richard and Leota Mae West Thornton of Austin, TX; his wife, JoAnne Englerth Thornton, of Austin; son, Micah David Thornton, and his wife, Margarita Gomez, of Alpine Texas, and Micah’s mother, Angie Pina Thornton Guajardo of Round Rock, TX; daughters: Sarah Elizabeth Thornton of Austin, and Alice Mae Thornton and Janie Rose Thornton and their mother, Kathy Jo Violano Thornton Kauffman of Prineville, Oregon; grandchildren: Olivia Danielle Thornton and Olivia’s daughter, Sarah Elizabeth Thornton, and future son, William Wyatt Quiqley IV (coming soon to a crib in Prineville, or on 4-23-2008); son of Alice Mae Thornton; brothers: Walter Raigen Thornton and his wife, Patricia (Stormy), of Granger, TX and their daughter, Spring Gale, of Austin; John Leeland Thornton and his wife, Theresa Thornton, of Austin, and their children: Nichole Elizabeth Thornton; Jeremy Avril Thornton and wife, Shelly; and Maverick Leeland Thornton; sister, Jauana Kay West Thornton and her daughter, Elizabeth Ellen Thornton-Brake, of Austin.

Richard was preceded in death by grandparents: Sebern J and Alice Jackson Thornton, and Temple H and Lena M Walton West; Uncle Sebern Edward Thornton of Goldthwaite; Aunt Lee Ellen West Cobern; and nephew, Wesley Dean Thornton.

Graveside services were held Monday, March 24, 2008 at the High Valley Cemetery, Bend, Texas, with Rev. Michael Wright, minister of Fellowship Baptist Church in Liberty Hill, Texas, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to High Valley Cemetery Association; c/o Joycelynn McRorey; POB 507, San Saba, TX 76877 or to The Hospice Austin; 4107 Spicewood Springs RD, Ste 100; Austin, TX 78750.

Funeral services under the direction of the Howell-Doran Funeral Home, San Saba, TX.