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James THORNTON Obituary

THORNTON,
James Charles (Jim):
Jim died peacefully at home in Diamond Harbour on Sunday, October 1, 2017, after a short illness. He was 88 years old. Jim was lovingly and skilfully nursed by his daughter-in-law, Dita, and his family, with the support of the Diamond Harbour Medical Centre. Jim is already missed deeply by his wife and companion of 60 years, Ann, his children and their partners, Steve and Dita, Rachel and Steffen, Mark and Dianne and Pete and Shell, and his grandchildren Saskia, Anneke, Merijn, Ariel and Leroy. A loved brother of Peter (dec), David (dec) and Ron. We all feel extremely privileged to have been loved by Jim and to have had the opportunity to love and learn from him. When Jim retired from the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies at the University of Canterbury in 1988 he was presented with the following inscription:
"Champion of the truth, fighter for peace, kindly teacher, who called down philosophy from the sky and made it at home in the lecture rooms and meeting places of the University. Fearlessly he showed us the way to listen with understanding and speak with clarity."
A family funeral has been held at Jim and Ann's home after which Jim was buried in the green burial section of the Diamond Harbour Memorial Garden Cemetery. Family, friends and colleagues are invited to meet and share remembrances of Jim on Tuesday, October 24, from 2pm, at Orton Bradley Park, Marine Dr, Charteris Bay.

Published by The Press from Oct. 7 to Oct. 14, 2017.

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Memories and Condolences
for James THORNTON

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3 Entries

I first met Jim 37 years ago and subsequently had the privilege of knowing him as a lecturer and friend.He set a fine example for me.

Sam Da Costa

October 29, 2017

Farewell my lovely uncle, who inspired me to learn about Philosophy and all knowledge in general.

John Thornton

October 16, 2017

'Champion of the truth, fighter for peace...' - lovely words for a lovely person.

Unfortunately I only heard on Saturday about the service being on Tuesday, at Orton Bradley, and I am sad to say I won't be able to come out there due to school and work commitments, but I will be thinking of you all.

Much love, Niki (and Maia).

Niki Mareko

October 16, 2017

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for James THORNTON

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