Everett J Thornburg, affectionally known as "J" was born in Lamar, Missouri to Elmer Samuel Thornburg and Esta Helen Landis on January 1, 1949.

He passed away peacefully surrounded by family on September 17, 2022 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

In his early childhood his family moved to Creighton, Missouri where he graduated from Sherwood High School in 1966. In April, 1966 he began dating Sandra Kaye Bradley who would later become his wife.

He joined the Navy in November of 1966.

J and Sandra married on July 9, 1967, and they lived in Long Beach, California where he was stationed on the U.S.S. Hornet.

In July of 1969 he participated in the recovery of the Apollo 11, and later in the recovery of the Apollo 12.

He was honorably discharged from the Navy January 15, 1970. He and Sandra moved back to Creighton, Missouri to start a family.

He worked for KCPL for 13 years, and he and Sandra had their first child, Christee Rochelle Thornburg. Six years later, they welcomed their son, Jason Bradley Thornburg. Two years after that, they welcomed son, Jared Joseph Thornburg.

In 1983, the Thornburg family moved to Farmington, New Mexico and J joined APS where he worked for 28 years. After retirement, he joined gardening and attending his grandchildren's sporting and school events. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Richard Thornburg, half-sister Virginia Foster, nephews Michael Morris and Rick Thornburg, and his in-laws Gilbert and Lueise Bradley.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sandra Thornburg, his daughter Christee of Urich, Missouri, sons Jason (Nicole) and Jared (Kristen), all of Farmington, New Mexico. He is survived by a second daughter (in law) through marriage, Reanna Thornburg of Farmington, New Mexico. He always referred to her as his resident RN. His love for his children and grandchildren knew no bounds.

Survivors also include his brother Melton (Janet) Thornburg of Creighton, Missouri sisters Darlene Hodges of Harrisonville, Missouri and Bonnie Morris of Creighton, Missouri. Papa is survived by his grandchildren, Savannah, Aaron J (Meagan), Bailey all of Urich, Missouri, Dylan, Lena, Ellie, Quentin, Kaleb, Jordyn, and Jillian all of Farmington, New Mexico. Great granddaughters Oaklynn, Ava-Lee, and Haisley of Urich, Missouri. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and other family and friends.

The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 PM on Thursday, September 29, 2022 at the Vansant-Mills Funeral Home in Clinton, Missouri. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, September 30, 2022 also at the Chapel.  Interment will be in the Byler Cemetery in Creighton, Missouri.

A Celebration of life will be held in Farmington, New Mexico at a later date.