James Tennyson Thornberry died the morning of October 4, 2023, at his home in Lexington, Kentucky. Thornberry was the patriarch of a family that founded and continues to operate Powell Valley Millwork, a major producer of poplar lumber products in Kentucky. He was 86.

According to his grandson, Michael Thornberry, Jim Thornberry’s death was unexpected. “He left this world the same way he lived — decisively and without delay,” said Michael. “He was pivotal to our success in this business dating back to when he and my father founded our first production facility in 1993. We’ll all miss him terribly.”

Jim was described as an innovator, an entrepreneur, and a man who created success across multiple businesses including coal mining and lumber processing.

Born October 28, 1936, to the late James and Lillian Thornberry in Sandy Hook, Kentucky, Jim Thornberry enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served his country during the Korean Conflict before returning home to attend Eastern Kentucky University. After graduating with a Business Degree focused on accounting and finance, he worked for the United States Government Accountability Office and the Internal Revenue Service before starting his own tax law consulting business specializing in the thoroughbred horse and coal industries. Jim was appointed to the Kentucky Public Service Commission in 1990.

Jim married his wife Shelba when they both were attending Eastern Kentucky University and settled in Lexington while still maintaining close ties with their roots in Sandy Hook amongst family and friends.

Beyond his family, Jim's passion was in the air as a pilot for 50 years. According to the family, the freedom of flight brought Jim a peace that could often prove more elusive on the ground. For work or pleasure, he found any reason to take off for destinations across the globe in his beloved Beechcraft airplanes with Shelba or his son, Jimmy, as his copilot.

Jim is remembered fondly by Shelba, his wife of 64 years, his son Jimmy (Susan), three grandchildren, Michael (Abbie), Lauren (William Lain), and Ian Tennyson Thornberry who bears his middle name. His three great-grandchildren, James, Eloise, and Catherine Thornberry are all grateful for the time they shared together. He was preceded in death by his sisters Della Cole and Wanda Pennington and will be missed by his sister Thelma Oney.

The family will host a private memorial service on Saturday, October 14. In lieu of flowers, a remembrance may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.