Jack Thornborough, 1939-2009

I guess I was a little surprised about how much Jack’s passing affected me. I would be erroneous to say we were close…I don’t think I had spoken to Jack at all in at least a year…but as I drove back to Columbus after the memorial service, I was pretty shaken.

I guess its because I admired him so much. I don’t think its a stretch to say that Jack was one of the most accomplished, brightest people I had ever met. It was never something that he would brag about or bludgeon you over the head with…but after talking with him for just a little while…you *knew* that this was a sophisticated person worth listening to.

(this sometimes led to problems for me. I remember eating sushi with him once in DC. I had never had sushi before, but I desperately wanted to show that I too had some class…and in the process, accidentally ate maybe a dime-sized piece of Wasabi. I eventually stopped crying, but I didn’t think Jack would *ever* stop laughing)

I also really admired his fighting, activist spirit. I’m certainly grateful for this website, and the critical public services that it provides. I’m glad that our town had people like him to hold our leaders accountable, and to fight what he thought was right. Granville has lost an irreplaceable advocate.

My heart breaks for Katie and Sarah, who lost a father who clearly loved them very much, and my thoughts go out towards their family.

-Matt B

I’ve known the Thornborough family for 40+ years. I knew Jack’s mother and father, and I have vivid memories of their fancy Lincoln Mark V convertible - the fanciest car I had ever seen as a little boy. I had never known anyone with “money”, so it was always a treat to see them.

I only got to know Jack when he moved to Granville, and have curiously followed much of what he has done in town. Obviously, we didn’t agree on much politically, but in the REALLY big picture, our interests were aligned for the most part.

I knew him to be a loving father and husband - and that is how I shall remember him. My heartfelt prayers go out to his wife and daughters. May you find peace in his passing, and may your husband and father rest in eternal peace.

Sincerely,

NS

It’s hard to find men of independent thought, reasoned opinion, character and backbone. The loss of Jack will make it all the more difficult.

My thoughts and prayers to the Thornborough family.

Ivan

Jack’s life was more interesting than I realized. He’s the type of person who makes Granville different and better. His death is a great loss. RIP.

I was surprised to learn that Jack and I are nearly the same age. I did not know him personally, but I always imagined him a younger man, in his 40s, full of verve and courage.

Thank you Jack for standing up for Granville when other old timers had moved on. You got my blood pressure soaring (at others, not you). Your death hit me very hard.

Today, I decided to plant a garden for the first time in seven years. I am 73 years old. I consider it Jack’s Garden. Jack showed me that life after retirement should be just that — life. Thanks, old friend, fellow citizen and Granville Press editor.

Jack made the world a better place.

My heart goes out to those suffering due to his passing. Peace be with you.

Jack Thornborough led an extraordinary life. I have no doubt many of you will learn more about him in the coming weeks. He possessed numerous talents all driven by a passion for life. His list of accomplishments is staggering and challenged only by his enviable work ethic. Most of all, he loved his wife and children. I hope to love my children like he does his daughters. I hope to be half the father he was. My thoughts go out to them. He was a very generous man. I already miss him and am proud to have known him.

This morning came as a great shock that is still felt. What a great friendship to have! I am very thankful. I, and many, many others, shall feel this loss in a big way. To Janice, Kate, and Sarah, we send our heartfelt sympathies out to you at this time of your great loss.
Geoff J.

What can I say, I disagreed with your politics, your ideology, and your news reporting tactics. But I never doubted that you love Granville and that you at least thought you were doing what was best for it. See you in another lifetime Mr. Thornborough.

Both Granville and the essence of a civil society have today lost a champion.

GBarno

Thanks for your humor,generosity,concern for our community (the world!) and mainly your friendship.
CT ( aka Tom Carroll)

A great friend of Granville. You accomplished much and contributed greatly to the community. Our prayers and blessings pour out to your family.

May you rest on God’s wings.