Deacon James L. Thornton Jr. Obituary
In loving memory of Deacon James L. Thornton Jr. of Shakopee, Minnesota, who departed this world on February 23, 2025 at the age of 95. Deacon James leaves behind a legacy remembered by family and friends. Family and friends can send flowers and condolences in memory of the loved one. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of Deacon James L. Thornton Jr. to pay them a last tribute.
As we bid Deacon James farewell, let us not mourn the absence of his physical form, but rather celebrate the essence of his spirit that lingers in the spaces between moments. For Deacon James is not truly gone, but merely transformed, his energy intertwined with the fabric of the universe itself, forever dancing among the stars.
He was predeceased by: his parents, James L. Thornton, Sr. and Mary (Farrell); his wife Janice Lapka; and his grandson Evan Thornton. He is survived by: his children, Mary Kraft, Ann Kleiner (Erik), Susan Ball (Dennis), Catherine Schmid (Stephen) and Michael Thornton (Trina). He is also survived by 14 grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 4th 2025 from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM at the Church of St. Mary (535 Lewis St S, Shakopee, MN 55379). A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Tuesday, March 4th 2025 at 11:00 AM at the same location.
