Dr. Bishop James B. Thornton

THE LIFE’s JOURNEY OF A REMARKABLE MAN—APOSTLE BISHOP DOCTOR JAMES B, THORNTON 

 On December 15, 1929 at 9:00 pm in Baltimore City, James Benny Thornton was born to the late Judge Thornton and Nettie Banks. He was the youngest of three siblings: Otis Mosley and Alice Thornton-White all of which preceded him in death.

 He received his early education in the Baltimore City public schools. After graduating from Dunbar Evening High School upon successfully completing academic courses, he further study classes at Catonsville Community College and Morgan State University. Later in life, he enrolled in Saint Mary’s Seminary and University and United Baptist College and Seminary. Graduating with honors, he received his Bachelor of Theology, Master of Arts in Theology and his Doctorate of Divinity. Prior to receiving his degrees, he became the first black manager for Bell Atlantic in Baltimore Maryland currently known as Verizon. Retiring with 38 years of service with notable managerial accomplishment in Materials Management--- Budget Controls---Staff Direction and Training---Customer Service and Public Relation---Labor Relations and Office Management and Administration.

As the Founder and Overseer of the United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic Inc. Bishop James B. Thornton served as the Pastor for 60 years or more until 2017. He studied under the ministries of the late Bishop Winfield Showell and the late Bishop S. C. Johnson. In 1949, he was baptized in the name of JESUS and received the gift of the Holy Ghost. Bishop studied the Word of God with great enthusiasm and became very knowledgeable in the Word of God, As God would have it, his thirst and understanding for the Word of God was so profound that at the age of 21 he was ordained an Elder by the late Bishop S.C. Johnson. As a charismatic preacher and singer, Bishop Thornton preached the Word of God with power revealing the truth of the Holy Scripture through his radio and television ministries. He also provided steady leadership and wisdom along with his sharp wit and unfailing humor. It was in the year of 1961 that Bishop James B. Thornton was ordained a Bishop (one of the youngest Bishops at that time). He was in charge of churches in Maryland, North Carolina, Philadelphia and Exeter Pennsylvania. Between the years of 1961-1969, Bishop moved his local church in Baltimore, Maryland several times, most memorable location – 2226 Park Avenue, where many were saved and was empowered with the knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the Apostolic way (Way of Holiness). It was in 1969 that Bishop Thornton compiled, established and published the Constitution and By Laws Of United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic Inc. In 1993 the United Members Handbook was published. Always with a desire to advance and serve the Saints of God, Bishop moved the church from Park Avenue to our current location -934 Gorsuch Avenue, in August 1999. Bishop was a Great Man of God who loved and served the people well.

Bishop James B. Thornton married Jane Ruth Richardson (his teenage sweetheart) on July 25, 1948. To this loving and committed union seven lively colorful children were born: Doris J., Jequetta M., James B.II., Larry, Iva D., Thomas A., and Dennis C. The love and respect between them remained planted for 62 years. Mother Thornton was truly a virtuous woman. As a dutiful wife she supported her husband in his pastoral responsibilities. The Lord called her into eternal rest on October 19, 2014. Their beloved daughter, Jequetta and two sons-Larry and James B. II also preceded them in death.

After several years of being a widower, Bishop united in Holy Matrimony to a wonderful faithful saint, Daisy Geneive Thornton. From this union he gained two stepsons, Marcellus and Anthony and a host of In- laws who loved him dearly. On Thursday, August 8, 2024 Bishop James Benny Thornton passed away at his home with his beloved wife and family by his side.

  He leaves to mourn and cherish his memory his wife Daisy Thornton, his children Doris J (Alvin) Stone, Iva D (logan) Talley, Thomas A., and Dennis C., his two step sons Marcellous (Norma Jean) and Anthony (Debora), his two daughters in- laws Ruth (wife of the late James II) Thornton and Melinda (wife of the late Larry) Thornton, and his sister- in- law, Deborah (wife of the late Otis) Mosley. He also leaves to mourn a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, great- great grandchildren and his beloved church family and friends.

    Family and friends are invited to gather at Singleton Funeral & Cremation Services, PA, 1 2nd Avenue, SW ,(at Crain Highway), Glen Burnie, MD 21061 on Friday, August 16, 2024 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm and at the church on Saturday afternoon from 4:00 to 5:00 pm. A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at the United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic, 934 Gorsuch Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21218 at 5:00 pm. His Graveside Service and Interment will be held at the Maryland National Memorial Park, Laurel, MD. on Monday, August 19, 2024 at 10:00 am. If desired, Memorial Contributions may be made in his name to the United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic.