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Jimbo Thornton, Jr. Announces his Retirement

Apr 6, 2004 by Thornton Brothers |

Jimbo Thornton & Clay Gilbert

Athens businessman James F. “Jimbo” Thornton Jr., who has served as president and owner of Thornton Brothers Paper Co. since 1988, retired from the company on April 1. Thornton, who worked with the Athens business for 45 years, will be succeeded by his son-in-law Clay Gilbert, to whom he has sold the company.

The company was founded by Charles W. Thornton Sr. and James F. Thornton Sr. in 1939. Jimbo Thornton began his career with Thornton Brothers in 1958 and was one of the company’s top salesmen for many years. Upon the death of his father, he became co-owner of the company. Thornton and his uncle managed and directed Thornton Brothers through the ’70s and ’80s. Following the death of his uncle in 1988, Thornton became sole owner and president.

Thornton has also given his time as a civic leader with a variety of organizations and currently serves as a board member of the YMCA and Hope Haven. He is a past board member of the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce.

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