John C. Thornburg OBITUARY

John C. Thornburg OBITUARY

John Christopher Thornburg, known as Chris to family and friends, as “Tuna” at the local watering holes where his scotch and beer were always standing by, and to certain colleagues by a sobriquet that cannot be printed here, slung his duffel and sailed beyond the horizon on August 3, 2024, at the age of 72.

The youngest and most rebellious of William and Ruth Thornburg’s six children, Chris loved a good book, bad movies, intellectual debates, and most of all his work, which only death could stop him from performing with undiminished vigor.

A native of southeastern Virginia, Chris worked steadfastly and practically without cease for nearly fifty years as a shipping agent and port manager, achieving notoriety for his cantankerousness, as well as unanimous respect for his capability and dedication.

Chris was also a nature lover who frequently took excursions to the Blue Ridge Mountains in his youth, and enjoyed long walks in his later years. He retained his keen intellect, irreverent sense of humor, independence, and penchant for physical activity for the entirety of his life.

He is preceded to our ultimate destination by his parents and his brothers James, Robert, and Henry. The immediate family by whom Chris is survived comprises his sisters Julia and Janet, nieces Kimberly, Meg, Stacey, and Kate, nephews Robert, Brian, and Hank, and his adoring son Nicholas.

Preparations for a celebration of his life are underway. Invitations may be requested from the administrator of estate, and remembrances will be gratefully received, at ThornburgEstate@gmail.com