Jim Thornberry

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

James R. “Jim” Thornberry, age 94, passed away on Saturday, September 5, 2015, at Mercy Hospital following an illness.

Jim was born on February 4, 1921 in Hazen, Ar., the son of the late James Edward and Floy May (Holmes) Thornberry. He served in the United States Army Air Corps as a flight engineer and was a veteran of WWII. He married Margaretta Glasgow on June 5, 1948 in Memphis, Tn., together they raised two children. He was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church and most recently he attended Forest Park Baptist Church. He was manager of the Wonder Bread Plant in Joplin from 1956 to 1976. He then purchased a Little Debbie franchise and was the first to bring their products to the four state area. He also repaired and sold many cars and always found the time to fix his grandchildren's cars. He served as past president of the Joplin Lions Club. Jim loved fishing, traveling, watching Nascar, and collecting ball caps. He was an avid domino player and enjoyed playing with his friends at the OK Bar & Billiards.

Jim is survived by one son, J. Bruce Thornberry and his wife Laura, Tampa, Fl.; one daughter, Patti Powers and her husband Rick, Joplin; four grandchildren, Adam Thornberry, Alicia DeMoraes and husband Sandro, Erica Armstrong and her husband Kyle, Dr. Braden Powers and his wife Nicole; and a great-grandson, Henry DeMoraes. He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaretta Thornberry on February 11, 2015; his brother, Lester Thornberry, of Memphis, Tn. in May 2015 and great-granddaughter, Lucy Mae Armstrong.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m Thursday at Mason-Woodard Chapel. Neal Ball will officiate. Burial will be in Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends at 10:00 a.m. Thursday prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions can be made to Mission Joplin, c/o Forest Park Baptist Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory.