James Reese Thornton

James Reese Thornton, 92, of Cumming, Georgia passed away Tuesday, December 9, 2025.

James was born in Akron, Ohio at the height of the Great Depression and he never forgot that. He was a hard and dedicated worker for Ohio Bell and AT&T for over 30 years. He worked in telecommunications from the beginning of the new age with training in the Silicon Valley. After retiring in 1993, he loved traveling with his wife, Betty Elliott, until her death in 2005.

James moved to Cumming, Georgia in October of 2005. He made many new friends while dining at Rooster’s or laughing at the Cumming VFW and American Legion in Alpharetta. James was a Korean War veteran who served at Kimpo Air Force base.

In Ohio, James became a Knight Mason of Dublin Ireland, Shannon Council. Also serving with Royal Arch and Scottish Rite. He joined the YAARAB Shrine in Marietta Georgia and was a member of the 40/8. He loved riding on the train entertaining crowds at parades.

James is survived by his daughters Dana and Wendi Thornton, son in law Mark Bruening and grandson Ian Bruening.

He will return to Ohio to be interred at Western Reserve Veterans Cemetery with his wife, Betty. Memorial Services will be held for the family at a later date.

Ingram Funeral Home, 210 Ingram Ave, Cumming, GA is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be expressed online at ingramfuneralhome.com.