Deceased Classmate: Jim Thornton (1969)
Date Of Birth: 
Date Deceased: Oct. -15-2010
Age at Death: 
Cause of Death: Plane crash
Classmate City: San Luis Obispo
Classmate State: CA
Classmate Country: Wallis and Futuna Islands
Survived By: Wife and 2 daughters

Surgeon Made Trips

James Thornton, a plastic surgeon whose office was in San Luis Obispo, served with Flying Samaritans for 20 years, said his wife, Christine. He would make two trips a year — one in April and again in October. “It was something he loved to do,” she said Saturday night from her Arroyo Grande home. “He took great satisfaction helping people who had no other options.” Thornton treated people with debilitating problems, such as cleft palates, serious burns or clubbed hands, Christine Thornton said. He would start work early on a Saturday and continue until there were no more patients for that day, sometimes going until midnight, she explained. Thornton had two daughters, Elizabeth, an attorney in Washington, D.C., and 17-year-old Alexandra, who attends Mission College Prep High School in San Luis Obispo. His wife said Thornton was always aware of the risk he took traveling to far-flung towns in Mexico. “He did not like the plane rides. He used to tell me they were really bumpy. He knew the risk, but he was committed to going.” Click HERE to read more.