Obituary: James Tennyson Thornberry

James Tennyson Thornberry passed away the morning of October 4, 2023, at his home in Lexington, Kentucky. Though unexpected, his sudden death is in many ways a testament to the manner in which he lived: with an instinct to forge his own path and the desire to take action. Jim was genuinely an innovator, an entrepreneur, and a man that created success across multiple businesses including coal mining and lumber processing.

From humble beginnings in eastern Kentucky, Jim was born October 28, 1936, to the late James and Lillian Thornberry in Sandy Hook. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and proudly served his country during the Korean Conflict before returning home to attend Eastern Kentucky University. After graduating with a Business Degree focused on accounting and finance, he worked for the United States Government Accountability Office and the Internal Revenue Service before starting his own tax law consulting business specializing in the thoroughbred and coal industries. Jim was appointed to the Kentucky Public Service Commission in 1990.

He married the love of his life, Shelba, when they both were attending EKU. While they may have settled in Lexington with their son, Jimmy, Jim and Shelba maintained their roots in Sandy Hook amongst family and friends.

Beyond his family, Jim’s passion was in the air as a pilot for 50 years. The freedom of flight brought Jim a peace that could often prove more elusive on the ground. For work or pleasure, he found any reason to take off for destinations across the globe in his beloved Beechcraft airplanes with Shelba or Jimmy as his copilot.

Jim is remembered fondly by Shelba, his wife of 64 years, his son Jimmy (Susan), three grandchildren, Michael (Abbie), Lauren (William Lain), and Ian Tennyson Thornberry who bears his middle name. His three great-grandchildren, James, Eloise, and Catherine Thornberry are all grateful for the time they shared together. He was preceded in death by his sisters Della Cole and Wanda Pennington and will be missed by his sister Thelma Oney.

The family will host a private memorial service on Saturday, October 14. In lieu of flowers, a remembrance may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (https://www.alz.org/).

Source: Legacy.com