Crystal Springs, MS
Funeral Home
Stringer Funeral Home
Visitation
Wednesday, 10-11 am, March 18, 205, First Baptist Church, Crystal Springs.
Service
Wednesday, 11 am, March 18. 2026, First Baptist Church, Crystal Springs.
Obituary
Military Service Tribute, Honors, and Obituary:
Recognizing and Honoring a Fallen Hero, Who Served Within the Mississippi National Guard. “Fallen, Yet Not Forgotten”.
In recognition of our proud American tradition of honorable service which our military men and women have given to their country and our State, we honor a Fallen Hero. Our nation, our state, and the National Guard Association of MS (NGAMS) regard the memorializing of its retired military deceased as an honorable and sacred obligation.
Another great Soldier and Fallen Hero has been released from duty, passed from our ranks on March 13, 2026, and has moved on to his heavenly home. Retired Staff Sergeant James Howard Thornton, age 92, Crystal Springs, MS who had served in the 162nd Military Police Company has departed and gone to a better place with our Lord and Savior.
It takes a special person to serve within the military for their country, giving up their family time, comfort, and safety for their country, ultimately for all Americans to enjoy their freedoms, safety, and way of life. We now applaud you for your service to our country. A special message from General Douglas McArthur remains applicable today for our servicemen that have passed: “Old Soldiers never die; they just fade away”.
Rest in Peace Soldier. We applaud your patriotism, sacrifices, and brave efforts in serving our country and your family for their support of your service. We thank you for your service. Without your efforts and your families’ support, our country would not stand so boldly, shine so bright, and live so free.
You now have earned a rest, so go fly with the Angels, go rest high on that mountain; your work on earth is done. Go to heaven a-shoutin’ Love for the Father and the Son.
Another great Soldier has gone home, “Fallen, Yet Not Forgotten, Soldier for Life”.
Obituary, visitation and service details:
James Howard Thornton, 92, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2026, at Copiah County Medical Center.
Mr. Thornton was born on March 3, 1934, to Henry Franklin Thornton and Mildred Didlake Thornton. He spent many years working at the G.E.M. plant where he helped manufacture laboratory furniture.
He proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army and later in the Army National Guard.
Mr. Thornton was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Crystal Springs. He greatly enjoyed being involved in the church’s seniors’ group, playing dominoes with friends, participating in mission trips, and working with the church’s Nail Benders ministry. A gifted gardener, he loved spending time outdoors and was known for being able to grow just about anything.
He is survived by his sons, Jimmy Thornton (Krysti), Wayne Thornton (Pam), and Phillip Thornton (Tawanna); his daughter, Darlene Teasley (Ricky); his sister, Marie Farmer; 12 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held Wednesday from 1:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Crystal Springs. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the church, with interment in Pilgrim’s Rest Cemetery.