Kelly Jay Thornton, beloved husband, son, father, grandfather, godfather and friend, passed away peacefully on May 7th, 2025, in Brighton, Colorado, at the age of 62. He was born on April 26, 1963, to Richard and Karen Thornton (Garrett) in Belvidere, Illinois.
A man of intellect and integrity, Kelly graduated as salutatorian of Macomb High School in 1981 and was an Illinois State Scholar. He earned a degree in accounting from Western Illinois University and became a Certified Public Accountant. His career started as an auditor, then Controller for a Sod Farm, for several years, then decided to take a leap of faith started his own company, KJT Enterprises in 2006.
He married his long-life love, Rosa, in 2001 a love affair spanning almost 24 years.
Kelly’s life was rooted in faith. Beginning his spiritual journey in the Presbyterian Church, he later found his home in the Catholic Church, where he lived his faith with quiet strength and joyful devotion. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, sang in the choir at St. Augustine Catholic Church, and was a faithful adorer for over 15 years at the St. Monica Adoration Chapel. He held a special devotion to Our Lady, particularly under the title Mary, Undoer of Knots and often returned to Psalm 1 as a guiding light in his life.
He enjoyed fishing and camping in Walker, MN, hunting, and completing puzzles.
Kelly is survived by his wife Rosa, his mother Karen Garrett of Macomb Illinois, brother Russell (Julianna) Thornton, Canton Illinois, his children, Jennifer (Eric) Larson of Ann Arbor Michigan, Alex (Susie) Thornton of Castle Rock, Colorado. Spiritual Son Father Juan Adrian Hernandez. Brother- in-law Tony (Dawn) Delgado of Thornton, Colorado, Sister-in-law Michelle (Anthony) Haro, Denver, Colorado. Grandchildren: Marion and Alexandra Larson and Jordy Thornton. Kelly has several nieces, nephews.
Kelly was preceded in death by his father, Richard Thornton, and Grandparents.
