Jay Ralph Thornton Obituary (1941 - 2007)

Jay Ralph Thornton passed away on May 11, 2007, robbed of his later years by Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. He was a wonderful husband, father, son-in-law, and grandfather who spent his waking moments making other's lives better. Born in Fillmore, Utah to Leonard and Jessie Millgate Thornton on August 20, 1941. He graduated from Millard High School, and then attended The College of Southern Utah, receiving his associate degree. He served a LDS Mission in the Southern States Mission from 1959 to 1961, and when he returned, he completed his bachelor of business administration. Jay was a member of the National Guard 222 Unit during the Vietnam war. Jay married Margaret Mead, August 31, 1967 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. He worked for the LDS Church starting in 1976 until he retired early in 2005 due to his illness. He was a devout member of the LDS Church and served in many callings including Bishop and counselor in the Granite Stake Presidency. A man of few words, he was good with his hands; building children's toys, king-sized beds and the family's beloved mountain cabin, to name just a few projects. He and Margaret enjoyed traveling and took every opportunity to do so. His quiet strength, love, sense of direction, ability to pack and organize well, and support, will be missed by all. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Royal, brother-in-law, Ted Coltrin. Survived by his wife, Margaret, and children: Michael (Jessica) Thornton, Mark (Kelly) Thornton, Rosemary (Matthew) Lyman, and Amy (Brandon) Merrill. He is leaving his beloved grandchildren: Nick, Ariel, Elizabeth, Tate, Jay, Avery, Gavin, Abi, Keegan and Alexander. Also survived by his brother Mirl (Emma) and sister Gloria. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Funeral services will be at the Nibley Park Ward, 2540 South 600 East on Wednesday, May 16th, 2007 at 12pm. Viewing at the Jenkins-Soffe Funeral home (4760 South State St.) on Tuesday evening May 15th from 6 - 7:30pm and from 10:30 – 11:45am at the Nibley Park Ward. Interment Murray City Cemetery.