James Edward Thorn, 94

September 04, 2025

At the age of 94, James “Jim” Edward Thorn died quietly in Lakeside in Willow Valley Communities on September 4, 2025, surrounded by his beloved family. Born in Hackensack, NJ, he was the son of Beatrice and Norman Thorn.

Jim was an athlete in his early years, having belonged to a 440-relay team that became New Jersey State Champions. He graduated from Hackensack High School where he played football. While attending Bucknell University from which he graduated, he earned All American points playing soccer. He continued to be physically active for the rest of his life, notably running with his wife, bicycling in Europe, hiking, working out in the Willow Valley Fitness Club and participating in the Lancaster Senior Games for several years.

Working for 35 years for E.I DuPont de Nemours & Company, he joked that he was retired for more years than he worked. His career included 9 moves in 11 years. Starting in a nylon plant in Virginia, he moved to what was the Industrial Division, formerly Photo Products, where he became Director of Worldwide sales. He loved his job!

He travelled extensively with his wife, Cathy, on bicycle trips to many countries in Europe. Other travel included China, Russia, Belize, Peru, Costa Rica, Panama, hiking in the Canadian Rockies, and cruising to and hiking in Alaska. His favorites were the trips to Africa where he and Cathy travelled widely, spending 6 weeks in various countries on that continent on one trip.

Along with Cathy and his sister, Virginia Thorn Golden and her husband, James Golden, he owned a house on St. John, USVI, for 25 years, staying there often. His sister predeceased Jim.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Catherine Simmons Thorn and 5 children, Katherine Thorn Taylor and her husband Kenneth, Linda Thorn Chicco and her husband, Gianni, James Edward Thorn Jr., and his wife Joanne, Scott Thorn and his wife, Mary, and Catt Bethel Foy. His extended family includes 17 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren.

He lived a long and happy life and dearly loved his home and community in Willow Valley, taking part in numerous activities, enjoyed his many friends and loved giving back.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity or cause. A suggestion would be UDFS Service Dogs, 2270 Crown Ave, Lancaster, PA 17601. UDFS Service Dogs