SFC James Arthur Thornton, Army (Ret.)

James Arthur Thornton, 79, of Killeen, went home to be with Our father on October 11, 2023. Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 20 at Harper-Talasek Funeral Home in Killeen beginning at 11 am with burial and military honors to follow at Killeen Memorial Park. A visitation will be held prior at 9 am.

James was born to Matthew and Victoria Thornton on Friday, August 4, 1944, in Alexandria, LA, Rapides Parish. He attended school at St. James Catholic Peabody Elementary and Peabody High School. He furthered his education at Grambling State University for several years. He was baptized at Rose of Sharon Baptist Church at an early age, sang in both Tots and Jr. Choirs and was a member of the Sunshine Band at Rose of Sharon.

He also was a member of the Old 8^th District and a member of the Old 8^th Youth Fraternity. He was an active member of Silver Trowel Lodge #18 of the Masonic Oder, Prince Hall Affiliation F&AM, a member of D.A.V Chapter W.R. Hold #147, a member of the VFW Post 9191 in Killeen, TX. When at home he visited Rose of Sharon, his home church and would visit with friends and family. He enjoyed cooking, chauffeuring, church, fishing, his friends, family as well as himself.

After college, he joined the Armed Services, Army as his branch of choice, where he served 22+ years, and was also a Vietnam Veteran. While in service, he married Kum Cha Min, who preceded him in death, along with his mother, Victoria; dad, Matthew; and 3 brothers, Cleveland, Osborn and Aaron Thornton.

Left to cherish his memories are his sister, Edeloris Thornton Sneed; brother, Taylor Thornton and wife Shirley Ann; a cherished, loved and dear friend, Tsuyako; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.