James E. Thornton III

James Eugene Thornton III, Jim, 68, passed away Sunday, July 30, 2017, at his home.

He was born in Hot Springs, Ark., to James Eugene Thornton II and Katherine Elizabeth Precise Thornton on Sept. 7, 1948.

He was a devoted husband to Denise Thornton, who he truly adored and cherished. He was a loving and proud father to children Jamie Thornton Charboneau (Fayetteville, Ark.), Jody (Jessica) Thornton (Fayetteville, Ark.), Megan Elizabeth Chaney (Nashville, Tenn.), and Cody Glenn Smith (Hot Springs, Ark.). He was a beloved Papa Jim to his three granddaughters, Macey Jane Charboneau, Josie Erin Thornton and Jules Elizabeth Thornton, and two grandsons, Luke Davis Charboneau and James Eugene Thornton IV, loving known as Jack. He also had a very special nephew, Brian (Tina) Cranford (Sheridan, Ark.).

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his only sibling, Pamela Kay Thornton.

He was a Southern gentleman with a quick wit and a sincere kindness in his heart. He was a unique and loved man who will be missed by many. His greatest passion was spending time with his five grandchildren and playing golf when his health allowed.

Jim was a member of Park Place Baptist Church and was raised in Hot Springs. He graduated from Hot Springs High School in 1966. He then attended UCA in Conway for one year before joining the U.S. Navy. He served aboard the USS Lexington for two years, followed by Pensacola Naval Air Station. While in the Navy, Jim was a dental assistant and graduated from Navy Dental School in San Diego, Calif.

After returning to Hot Springs, he worked several years at Goodyear Tire Company on West Grand, where he proved to be a top salesperson. He later became a car salesman for Jordan Oldsmobile Buick on Central Avenue, where he worked for over 30 years. Jim was Salesman of the Month on numerous occasions, and his customers became his dear friends.

Visitation will be held at Gross Funeral Home from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 3.

A Celebration of Jim’s Life will be held at Gross Funeral Home at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 4, with Brother Mike Anderson officiating.

Honorary pallbearers are Brian Cranford, Brian Koller, Eric Spradley, Mike Bell, Chuck Jordan, John Homatas, Mike Turberville, Dr. Rajesh Schroff and Dr. Scott Erwin.

The online guestbook, memorial tribute and obituary are available at http://www. GrossFuneralHome.com.