Obituaries

John “Jack” Templeton Thorn, 80

August 27, 1944 - October 02, 2024

John Templeton Thorn, known to many as Jack, passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 2, 2024, at the age of 80, due to a heart aneurysm. He was not in pain and did not suffer. Born on August 27, 1944, Jack’s life was defined by his entrepreneurial drive and commitment to the manufacturing and supply chain industries.

Jack began his career teaching biology in the Deep South, followed by a brief period at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. He later moved into the energy sector with GPU Nuclear. His business acumen led him to purchase an interest in Speedways Conveyors, a manufacturing firm in Buffalo, New York.

In later years, Jack and his wife, Amy Thorn, co-founded Thorn Hill Vineyards in Napa Valley, California. Joined by their two children, Jonathan and Rachael Thorn, the family turned the vineyard into a thriving business. While Amy led the winemaking efforts, Jack played a role in expanding the business. Jack and Amy also collaborated in the supply chain discipline through the DBM association, which, over the course of 32 years, became one of the most respected think tanks in global supply chain.

Jack is survived by his wife, Amy Thorn, his daughter, Rachael Thorn, and his brother, Jim Thorn. His contributions to material handling and the global supply chain industry will leave a lasting legacy.

A service to honor Jack’s life will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at 11:00 AM. Family will receive visitors starting at 10:30 AM at First Presbyterian Church, located at the corner of Cherry and Orange Street in downtown Lancaster. A private family burial will be held on Friday, October 18, 2024.

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Condolences to the Family

January 08, 2025

Dr. Jack was one of my favorite human beings. He was smart, genuine, caring and charismatic. He made me a better leader and a better friend. My days in SCLA were productive, valuable and joyful. He inspired networking and self improvement. Laughing was the norm when we were together. I will NEVER forget him. RIP my good friend and THANKS for our time together!
Chuck DeLutis

October 20, 2024

So very sorry for your loss.  Your family are in my thoughts during this difficult time.  His presence was so big, warm, and welcoming to all!

October 18, 2024

Amy and Rachael,
We send our sincere condolences to you on the loss of Jack.  Our friendship together has been valued and our times together have been memorable.  In your time of grief, we pray you are strengthened by your memories of the good years with husband and father.  We pray time will heal the pain you feel now and we will be there to assist in any way possible.  While Jack will be missed, our friendship will continue with you two and our mutual friends.
 

October 18, 2024

Dear Amy and Rachael,
We are so very sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. He brought life and vibrancy where ever he was and touched many lives.  We are thankful for the time our lives intersected and will carry fond and warm memories of him. 

October 17, 2024

Amy, Susie and I were surprised and disappointed to read Jack’s obituary. He and i had a common bond that was not known by many – we both graduated from West Chester High School and he was 7 years my junior. We will miss him and you and the family have our sympathies.
Pete and Susie Paxson

October 17, 2024

Dear Amy and Rachael – Words cannot adequately express my deepest condolences for you both. I met your family nearly 30 years ago through Speedways and the DBMA. Those interactions generated many memorable take-a-way moments filled with both personal and career developoment. I think of you both with fondness and gratitude. My love and sympathy is with you.
Mike Devenney

October 17, 2024

Amy and Rachael and Jim,
We have been members for years and have appreciated all that your family has brouyght to Lancaster County. You have had too much grief in too few years. God be with you and grant you peace. May wonderful memories be yours now during these difficult days and in the coming days.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Mike Freshwater and Deann Buffington

October 17, 2024

Dear Amy and Rachael,
Sarah and I are saddened to hear of Jack’s death. He was someone who was always so full of life and ready to meet any challenge. The world is a poorer place without him in it.
Our love and sympathy are with you.
Rachel and Sarah Gawn

October 17, 2024

Dear Amy and family:
You were quite a successful and active team.
We enjoyed Jack and his entertaining conversation.
With deepest sympathy and condolences.
Ron and Dee

October 16, 2024

Dear Amy, Rachael, and Jim,
While there is virtually nothing anyone can say or do in the face of losing a beloved husband, father, or brother that can make your grief any easier to bear, if it helps at all, please know that others are thinking of you and feeling for you.
In sympathy,
Connie & John Kirby

October 16, 2024

Amy, Rachael & Jim, So sorry for the sudden loss of Jack. Loved hearing Jack’s stories of his interesting, full life and his wonderful family!  Peace and love, Elaine

October 16, 2024

Our deepest sympathy to Amy, Rachel and Jim,
Wonderful memories of Jacks love and enthusiam for Antique Cars will be remembered by those of us who attended/showed cars at the ThornHill Antique Car and Wine Show.  Jack enjoyed early antique cars of the 1900/1930’s telling me about his antique car.  However, since my 57 Chevy was not an Antique Car, Jack thought about it, smiled and  gracously welcomed it and other “Classic Cars”. 
One couldn’t help but love Jacks warm smile, great personality and was an awesome gracious host!
Truly will be missed by all.
Mary Jane Graybill, members of the Lancaster Red Rose AACA and the P.A. Dutch Region AACA car clubs.
 
 

October 16, 2024

Dear Amy, we are so sorry for your loss.  Jack was such a positive influence.  His enthusiasm for life, family and work were inspiring and contagious.   We cherish our memories together.   
Rick and Kris

October 15, 2024

Amy, Rachael and Jim:
Sending my love and deepest sympathy. I very much enjoyed getting to know Jack over the years. He had such a knack for telling stories about his life experiences and I loved listening to them. He was truly one-of-a-kind and will be greatly missed. Love to you all.
-Gerri Kleinberg

October 15, 2024

Amy, very sorry for loss. Keeping you & your family in my prayers this day. May your many memories be of comfort. Lora Morrow & family

October 15, 2024

Dear Amy and Rachel- we are so sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. We will always remember his kind friendly and vibrant personality. Sending you thoughts of comfort and peace at this difficult time.
Tina and Mike

October 14, 2024

We are so very sorry to hear this news!  Our thoughts and prayers are with Amy, Rachael and Jack’s brother during this very sad time.  We are sending LOVING and PEACEFUL wishes to ALL of you.

October 14, 2024

Amy so very sorry to hear of the passing of Jack. You and Rachel and all that loved him are sent comforting wishes. We keep you and your family in our thoughts. To Strong memories
 

October 14, 2024

I was so sorry to learn of Jack’s passing. I had met him only recently and worked with him on plans to renovate and expand the “Shore House”. He was a pleasure to work with and had many great ideas regarding the designs.
Jim Caldwell
Premium Drafting & Design

October 13, 2024

Amy and Rachael,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Jack, and I would like to wish my sincere condolences from my family and our entire NYK and Yusen Global organization that thought the world of Jack.  We all treasured our friendship and relationship with Jack over all these years as we built the SCLA, and Jack made such a difference to so many and brightened the days and lives of many of our team members at events through the years.
Jack will be long remembered for his kindness, friendly nature and sense of humor and ability to build a world class team of diverse professionals into an amazing organization.
I am glad that he is now at rest and at peace, and I am sure we all have a kind soul looking out for all of us from his last day forward.
With my deepest sympathy,
Ron

October 13, 2024

Amy and Rachael, we are heartbroken at the news of Jack’s passing. He was a wonderful man, full of ideas that could change the industry, if not, the world. It would be hard to find a better business partner, collaborator or friend. We will miss his enthusiasm, his laughter, his jokes and his friendship. We were all lucky to have him in our lives and will cherish his memory. You have our deepest condolences. With great fondness, Kevin and Janet

October 13, 2024

Dear Amy and Rachel, 
I just learned of Jack’s passing. My heart and prayers go out to you both. This has left me so sad as I cannot imagine the heartbreak you are going through. He was so vibrant it is hard to imagine that he is no longer physically with you but I know he will always live in your hearts.
Love and hugs to you both.
Marlene Thompson 

October 13, 2024

Rachael- we were saddened to hear of your father’s sudden passing. To say that he packed a lot of life into 80 years is an understatement! Please remember him as he lived- vibrant, intelligent and a man of many interests; we know he loved you very much – always carry that love with you. Fondly, Mary and Bob Reinhold 

October 13, 2024

Dear Amy,I am so very sorry to hear the sad news that Jack passed away. He was such a support for you and your family. You made a wonderful team. I will keep you in my prayers and hope we can get together soon. So sorry but we will be away next weekend.
Hugs, Lucy

October 13, 2024

Mrs. Thorn and Rachael, 
I am so deeply saddened by Mr. Thorn’s passing and I am so very sorry you have to suffer this great loss. I am so lucky to have so many wonderful memories of him and your whole family as you very kindly included me in so much growing up. Mr. Thorn has such a special place in my heart and I am forever grateful for the warmth, kindness and love he always showed to me and then also my children. Condolences and love from us to you. 
Brittany, Lee and Kelsie

October 12, 2024

Rachel and Amy, our hearts were so heavy when we learned of Jack’s passing. We always enjoyed his company so much and his enthusiasm for everything he was involved in. He will certainly have a lasting legacy. Our deepest sympathies to you both and wish we could give you a big hug right now. All our love, Ann and Rudy

October 12, 2024

Amy and Rachel
Thinking of both of you and send you all our kindest thoughts during this difficult time.
 
Ruth and Pete Witman
 

Visitation
Saturday, October 19, 2024
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
First Presbyterian Church
140 E. Orange St.
Lancaster, PA 17602
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Services
Saturday, October 19, 2024
11:00 AM
First Presbyterian Church
140 E. Orange St.
Lancaster, PA 17602
Map and Directions

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