Jeffrey James Thornton, 78

Published 10:09 am Monday, October 7, 2024

Jeffrey James Thornton, 78, passed away Friday, October 4, 2024. He is survived by his wife, Karen Letton Thornton, of Danville; his daughter Alyssa (Chris) Young of Lexington; his daughter Ashley Thornton of Lancaster; a beloved grandson; his brother-in-law Les (Lynn) Letton; his nephew Patrick (Courtney) Letton and their children Tanner, Eloise, and Oliver. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his in-laws Tommy and Eloise Letton, and nephews Jeremy Letton and Blake Letton.
Jeff was born February 28, 1946, in Delano, CA to the late John James and Inez Renee Thornton. His parents were educators in a small rural 4-room schoolhouse. There at Columbine Elementary, Jeff’s mom was the 1st and 2nd-grade teacher, and his dad taught 7th and 8th grade and was the principal. Needless to say, Jeff did not get away with any misbehavior! He always said his parents put pressure on him to be the “model” student.
As a child, he enjoyed horseback riding, 4-H, Boy Scouts, and later Explorer Scouts. Especially memorable to him was a week-long hiking and camping trip in the Sierra Mountains with the Explorer Scouts and leaders. Jeff loved earning badges and later became an Eagle Scout.
For eight summers in a row, he traveled with his grandparents for a 2-week vacation at Lake Tahoe. There they enjoyed the beauty of the area, a small beach, and the glorious mountains surrounding the lake. As an only child, and an only grandchild on his maternal side, his parents and grandparents doted on him. After graduating from high school, Jeff attended college at the University of California at Berkeley where he earned BS and MBA degrees and thoroughly enjoyed his college years. He made many friends, played intramural sports, and enjoyed attending collegiate sporting events.
Jeff’s working career on the West Coast included employment at Kaiser Aluminum in Oakland and then in San Francisco at Dymo Industries. He enjoyed both these jobs and had great mentors. He met Karen in 1976 through mutual friends and they married a year later. They enjoyed time with special friends, exploring San Francisco’s landmarks and restaurants, and camping and hiking around Northern California.
In 1978, Jeff and Karen made a big decision to move to Danville where Jeff joined Karen’s father Tommy, and brother Les in the family’s concrete block business. It was a wonderful decision to relocate as Jeff and Karen came to love living in a small town, being close to family, and making a wide circle of friends through church, work, and community involvement. Jeff’s interest in fitness led him to join the Gwinn Island Striders and he greatly enjoyed the camaraderie of fellow runners. Tuesday nights on Gwinn Island Road and Saturday mornings on Bluegrass Pike became his most passionate and fulfilling pastime. Lifetime relationships were forged during long runs and at numerous races in Kentucky and out of state too. Our children became a part of after-race picnics and gatherings making them a family affair
Jeff’s career took him in 1984 to Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center where he served as CFO and assistant administrator. His final 20 years of employment were spent as executive VP and chief financial officer at Farmers National Bank. Jeff especially enjoyed his years at Farmers. He loved his co-workers and took great pride as he saw younger staff rise and take on greater responsibility. He oversaw the construction of 8 new facilities in 4 counties surrounding Danville.
His focus on what made Danville special created many opportunities for community service. Some of his most enjoyable experiences included the Boyle County Public Library where he was chair of the expansion/renovation of the library which was completed in 2008. Jeff enjoyed serving on the boards of the Art Center of the Bluegrass, Boyle County Literacy Council, various City of Danville steering committees, and Danville City Schools planning and facilities committee. His connectivity to Farmers National Bank spanned 44 years and included service on the Board of Directors prior to, during, and after his retirement.
Jeff was so appreciative of all the local people who accepted and supported him from the very beginning. His former dream of being a Bay Area urbanite fully transitioned to a love of being a Kentuckian.
A memorial service will be at 2 p.m., Friday, October 11, 2024, at The Presbyterian Church on Main Street, with Father Joe Chambers officiating. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall following the service.
Memorial donations are suggested to Trinity Episcopal Church in Danville, the Boyle County Public Library, the Art Center of the Bluegrass, or the charity of your choice.
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