James Edgar Thornton

Born and raised in Walla Walla, native since 1932. Jim Thornton grew up on one of old Walla Walla’s iconic streets, Bonnie Brae. His parents, Edgar and Evelyn Thornton, were well-known in the community. Edgar was a real estate salesperson for Sherwood and Roberts and worked at Sporleders Clothing store. Evelyn became the face for Walla Walla’s Welcome Wagon, welcoming newcomers to the Walla Walla Valley.

Jim graduated Wa-Hi in 1950 and went on to attend Whitman College, graduating in 1954 with a teaching degree.

Immediately after, Jim enlisted in Army and found himself in Korean War, ending up two miles from the front. While in the Army, Jim saw this as an opportunity to help those better themselves. He went to the commanding officer and proposed an idea of teaching the illiterate soldiers to read and write. His salesmanship must have worked. He ended up with a classroom teaching soldiers and civilians. It was a success, and soon Jim had a small library for students to utilize.

After serving two years, his enlistment was up he came back to Walla Walla. In 1958 he met the love of his life, Mary June Bradford. Their courtship was short in comparison to the 63-yearlong marriage.

In 1962 they welcomed their first daughter Lisa and two short years later… Joanie.

Jim took a job in Portland in 1964 and shortly after was promoted to manager of Continental Canning Company.

In 1970, he accepted a job at Rogers Walla Walla Potato Processing Plant in Pasco as Superintendent; seven years later, Jim and Mary decided to take a risk and bought Lyles Garden Center in Seaside, Oregon. They uprooted the family and headed out for a new adventure. He and Mary worked there for several years without a vacation and few days off. Although the business was a success, Mary’s health required a change in work schedules, so Jim decided to start a career in Real Estate. As his success took off, they sold the store in “85,” and Jim worked solely for Kent Price Realty.

In 1990 they moved closer to family. Jim began working with Coldwell Banker in Walla Walla. He had a long and successful career as one of Coldwell Banker’s top realtors and retired as such in 2010.

They retired to their Rustic Place home on Yellowhawk Creek, which they both loved as their most favorite home! Jim regularly fished in area lakes and rivers, which, along with enjoying spending time with family, was one of his passions.

A funeral service we be Saturday, December 31, 2022, at 3:00 PM, at the Chapel of the Herring Funeral Home, with Reverend Steve Morris officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Alliance Church of Walla Walla through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder St., Walla Walla, WA 99362. In addition, friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.