James Edward "Jim" Thorn

May 31, 1932 ~ March 2, 2018
James Edward “Jim” Thorn, born May 31, 1932, died March 2, 2018 at his home. He is preceded in death by his father, Lee Thorn and mother, Lena Viola Thorn. Jim is survived by his longtime companion of 36 years, Betty Marshall; and daughters, his beloved Kimberly and husband Daniel Tolley and daughter Jamea and husband Rocky Wilson; 5 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Jim graduated from Wichita High School East in 1950 and attended The University of Kansas. He joined the US Army in May of 1955, followed by the Army Reserves, and served his country until 1963. He was the owner of Cowie Electric Company (established 1898) for many years, which he inherited from his father and which had been a fixture in Wichita for decades. He closed the doors in 2006. Jim, or Jimmy if you were an old buddy, was truly an exceptional man, intelligent, thoughtful and generous. He will be truly missed by those friends with whom he spent wonderful times over the years, full of humor, learning and appreciation of all that is good and productive in the world. Jim participated in many activities in the technical and automotive world, and with his father, was co-founder of nationwide Automotive Electrical Association. To say that he was adventuresome and bold would be an understatement when one saw the lengths to which he went to inform himself and enjoy the delights life had to offer. Services will be held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, March 10, 2018 at Downing and Lahey Mortuary East. In lieu of flowers his family wishes donations to be made to the Kansas Humane Society, 3313 N. Hillside, Wichita, KS 67219 or Multiple Sclerosis Society, Mid-America Chapter, 7611 State Line, Ste. 100, Kansas City, MO 64114.
Rest James, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God. Thank you for your service to this nation. U.S. Army, and U.S. Army Reserves.