James Robert Thornburg

Blackbird singing in the dead of night

Take these broken wings and learn to fly

All your life

You were only waiting for this moment to arise...

We are sad to announce the passing of James Robert Thornburg, 73, on July 11, 2026.

He was a talented man in many fields including music, woodworking, baking, gardening, and social directing! He was a gifted singer whose bass voice resonated in many churches and his mastery of the guitar inspired all who listened: family, friends, and strangers alike.

You who are on the road

Must have a code that you can live by

And so, become yourself

Because the past is just a good bye...

Jim (known by friends as JT, Jimmy T, or Thorny) was born on February 15, 1953 in Sacramento, California, the only son of the late Vern and Margaret Thornburg. They were world travelers from which he most likely inherited his wanderlust. And there was always music in the Thornburg house. He is survived by his two sisters: Marta and Sue Thornburg of Medford, Oregon and his niece, Erin Gress of Hayward, California.

Growing up in Sacramento, he attended C.K. McClatchy Senior High School where he ran track, sang in the Concert Choir and in the Madrigals whose members became his second family and forever friends to this very day.

So, Allen-a-Dale went a-hunting
On the King's highway
What was the calling of Allen-a-Dale?
He was a forester good
A harper well skilled in ditty and tale
And the comrade of bold Robin Hood!
And together they ranged the forest glade
And shot their arrows free:
But because he could sing like a minstrel king
Why, Allen's the boy, for me!

Prior to beginning his professional career, Jim lived in Grass Valley, California and in Germany with his parents. While in Germany, he made his living as a street musician. His career was in the field of electronics at McClellan Air Force in Sacramento until the base closed in 2001. At that time, to continue in his profession, he had a choice between bases in Georgia and Utah. He ultimately moved to Salt Lake City and never looked back. He created a new life for himself where he made lifelong friends. He was an integral part of the First Unitarian Church and its community. He was Lead Bass in the First Unitarian Choir and sang in various other ensembles.

An avid outdoorsman, Jim had many opportunities in SLC, Park City, and surrounding areas to ski, both downhill and cross country, and to mountain bike. His friends often accompanied him on biking, hiking, and camping trips that he would organize. He loved to travel and made many trips to see his friends in Sacramento, to Ashland, Oregon for "3 plays in 3 days" at Oregon Shakespeare Festival every summer, and, especially, to see his good friends there.

The water is wide and I can't cross over

Neither have I wings that I could fly

Build me a boat that can carry two

And both shall row my love and I...

Jim was generous and considerate even though he could be a bit of a curmudgeon at times. He had a great sense of humor and loved buying silly cards and fridge magnets for his friends! He was an excellent "Social Director" pulling together people from all different groups for a variety of events. Singing was often the main activity at either house parties, Renaissance Faires, or other gatherings.

Jim had recently been struggling with depression, but in spite of that, he leaves a legacy of music and community. He will be remembered with love and affection by many people, across many states. His beautiful bass voice, impeccable sense of rhythm and humor, and his ability to make a guitar sing will be greatly missed.

The Lord bless you and keep you

The Lord lift his countenance upon you

and give you peace

The Lord make his face

to shine upon you

and be gracious unto you

the Lord be gracious unto you

Amen...

Memorial Service

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Unitarian Church of Salt Lake City, 569 S. 1300 E. Salt Lake City, Utah.

A reception will follow the service.

Donations

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to your favorite charity or to the First Unitarian Church of Salt Lake City.