It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the passing of Jim Thornton on Tuesday September 14, 2021, at 70 years young.
Jim was born in Edmonton, Alberta on November 5, 1950. Jim was the youngest and only son of Eric and Olive Thornton. He had two older sisters Gerry Campbell who lives in Taber and Barbara McCalla who predeceased him. Jim had many nieces and nephews but the three that he was able to spend the most time with over the years and was closest to were Rob, Doug and Gary McCalla.
From a very early age Jim had a love of things that moved quickly—go-karts, motorcycles, and cars. As an adult, this evolved into a particular appreciation of European motorcycles and cars. Not content to just own sporty vehicles, he also travelled throughout North America and Europe, seeing Indy Car, Formula One, and multiple vintage car races.
Later in life Jim met his true love—Giselle LeClair—and married her in 2001 on a frosty December 29! In addition to the usual wedding vows, they also agreed that Jim would learn to play golf and Giselle would go to Formula One races with him. While settling into domestic life with Giselle, Jim continued to develop his network of what he called his “motor head” friends. Not content with local car shows and swapping stories about car, many of these friends would participate in ‘open road races’ (go ahead—Google it!) in wide-open southern states, driving at top speeds while targeting specific time goals. He made many friends during this time and there are legendary stories about Jim and his adventures to, during, and returning from these races. In 2015, Jim was proud to win first place in his class!
In 2016 Giselle and Jim pulled up roots in Alberta and moved to Anarchist Mountain in Osoyoos BC. There they made many new and wonderful friends in this amazing mountain community. Here Jim’s wonderful culinary talents came into full bloom with like-minded gourmet cooks and wine enthusiasts. Many meals and many bottles of wine were shared and enjoyed by all. While Giselle most certainly knew her way around the kitchen and wine cellar, Jim made every meal a culinary work of art. Whether dinner with just Giselle or with many friends, it was always an event and a celebration, clinking glasses at each meal and thanking each other for making dinner.
As many who knew him could attest, Jim was very politically active, working for both local, provincial, and national candidates along with helping build the Reform party in its infancy. To the very last week of his life, he was still an active member of conservative political groups. In addition, he communicated daily with friends and family about his views and the latest debates in the political arena.
It should come as no surprise that there is much more that could be said about James Gordon Thornton. Jim touched many lives and will leave a hole in many hearts around the globe. Jim’s wit, humour, April Fool’s jokes, and his famous letters to the editor will be missed. His daily updates on the latest political debates will leave a hole in many email inboxes!
A celebration of life will be planned for the spring of 2022 and what an amazing celebration it will be!
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following charities that Jim supported throughout the years.
Simon House Recovery Centre www.simonhouse.com – 403-247-2050
Alberta Adolescent Recovery Center (AARC).www.aarc.ab.ca/
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of James Gordon Thornton November 5th 1950 September 14th 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Vancouver, Province: Colombie britanique