September 23, 2021, 54, Newton Grove –

James Allen Thornton, 54, passed away Thursday, September 23, 2021 at UNC Rex Health Care in Raleigh. Born in Sampson County on February 17, 1967, he was the son of the late James Glenn Thornton and Claudia Byrd Thornton.

James is survived by his wife of 33 years, Cindy Lee Thornton; children, Allen Thornton, Justin Thornton and wife Kelly, Lucas Thornton, and Emma Grey Thornton; and two brothers. James is also survived by his mother-in-law, Peggy Lee; in-laws, Kristi Best and husband Rudy and Margaret Tyndall; and his nieces and nephew, Zoey, Mia, Macayla, Kylee, Grace, and Dylan.

James enjoyed the outdoors. He loved cutting grass and could often be found on his zero-turn lawn mower. James was an avid hunter and fisherman. Nothing was more satisfying than the tug of a fish on the line. He enjoyed traveling with family and friends. Family was paramount to James, he relished in time spent with his loved ones.

James was a mechanic at Rosin Hill Automotive in Newton Grove.

A service to celebrate James’ life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 28, 2021 in the chapel of Seymour Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the Thornton Family Cemetery in Newton Grove. The family will receive friends during the hour prior to the service on Tuesday at the funeral home.

Arrangements by Seymour Funeral Home & Cremation Service. Online condolences may be sent to www.seymourfuneralhome.com.