James Arthur Thornberry, III

James Arthur Thornberry III, 33, died in his apartment on June 24th, 2021 in Jacksonville, FL.

James was born on February 12th, 1988 at Fort Bragg, NC to his father, James Arthur Thornberry, Jr. and his mother, Lee Ann Randall.  At the age of 4, he moved to Mt. Gilead, Ohio where he started school and eventually moved to Lewis Center, Ohio where he graduated high school from Olentangy High.  James was a very passionate and loving child.  He played lead as Santa in a comical school play, was part of Cub scouts, wrestling, lacrosse and played football as a center. Growing up, he loved spending time with family and friends.  His favorite things growing up was making people laugh, fishing, hunting and boating.  Of course, Nintendo was a big hit then too.

After graduating Olentangy High school, James joined the United States Army where he served in the 864th Engineer Battalion at Fort Lewis, Washington.  While serving as a .50 caliber gunner in Afghanistan, James was injured by an incoming missile - causing a truck to fly into his truck.  James was a proud veteran who loved to share memories of his time in service.

Once out of the Army, he met the love of his life, Yvonne Lisle of Westerville Ohio. They were proud parents of 3 dogs: Lionel, Cloe and Miki, but then went their separate ways. James was a strong spirited man with many struggles in his life, but he was full of life and never gave up.  He was recently planning a road trip with his Army friends.

He is survived by his father, James A. Thornberry Jr., of Mansfield, his mother Lee Ann Randall, of Columbus, his brother Joe Thornberry (his wife Aarika, children: Noah, Aamya, West and Ella) of Mansfield, and his sister Morgan N. Thornberry of Lewis Center, Ohio.

Also survived by his loving relatives: (Deceased grandmother (Estella Jean Reed) and (deceased grandfathers), James Arthur Thornberry Sr., and Francis R. Randall), living grandmother’s Juanita R. Randall and Martha Ann Drake. Many Aunts, Uncles and Cousins and other loved ones. 

Friends and family may come to honor James' life on Saturday, July 17, 2021 from 11am to 1pm at the Boyd Funeral Home at 122 Columbia Street, Marion, Ohio 43302.  A memorial service will follow starting at 1pm at the funeral home with Bishop Rich Arnold officiating.  Burial will follow the memorial service where military honors will be conducted at Chapel Heights Memory Gardens in Marion, Ohio. 

May the Lord wrap his arms around James and bring him peace.

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