James “Jim” Ray Thornsberry

James “Jim” Ray Thornsberry, age 79, of Hollister, Missouri.

James “Jim” Ray Thornsberry, age 79, of Hollister, Missouri, passed away October 24, 2024, with family by his side. He entered this life January 13, 1945, the son of Verlyn and Mary (Thomas) Thornsberry in Salem, Oregon. Jim was joined in marriage on November 14, 1970, to Margie Dawn Cazier.

With a gregarious soul, Jim made friends with strangers everywhere he went. He was a jack of all trades and worked a variety of different jobs, from owning a locksmithing business in California, to serving his community as a police officer, to working for Tyson Farms. Jim loved watching western and NASCAR, especially Jimmy Johnson. He enjoyed having dinner out with family, collecting antiques and steins, and attending car shows―whether it be antique or muscle cars. Jim was skilled at imitating whipper wills and whistling. He was well known for being able to whistle “Amazing Grace”. Jim was a great father and loved taking his girls to arcades for their birthdays. The memories, moments, and humor shared over the past seventy-nine years will be cherished by all who knew him.

Jim is survived by his wife of fifty-three years, Margie Thornsberry of Hollister, Missouri; daughters: Cheryl Jackson and husband, Todd of Columbia, South Carolina, and Mary Sellers and husband, James of Gassville, Arkansas; grandpuppies: Chubbs, Max, and Burchy; brother, Harold Thornsberry and wife, Vickie of Oregon; nieces: Tammy of Colorado and Cherith of California; and nephew, David of California.

He is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers: Virgil and Clyde “Snode” Thornsberry.

There will be a memorial service held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at Cremations of the Ozarks, 115 Industrial Park Drive, Hollister, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions or cards may be given to the family. Services and cremation are under the direction of Cremations of the Ozarks. To leave an online condolence or share a memory, please visit www.cremationsoftheozarks.com.