John Thomas (J.T.) Thornburg

John Thomas (J.T.) Thornburg, Lawrence, KS, passed away December 15, 2025, at the age of 72. John was born December 21, 1952, in Kansas City, MO, to Dr. John N. and Mary (Martin) Thornburg.

John grew up in Ottawa, KS, and attended Ottawa schools, with the exception of one year at St. John’s Military School in Salina, KS. After graduating from Ottawa High School in 1970, he attended Independence Community College. Later in life, John earned a degree in art from the University of Kansas.

While he held a variety of jobs over the years, John most enjoyed working out of doors on various farms, growing vegetables and flowers, tending horses, and building things. He could fix most anything, and figure out a better solution to many mechanical problems.

John overcame an early difficulty with reading, and then read voraciously on an wide array of subjects, which explains his love of libraries.

His enduring interests included guitars and music, computers, airplanes, art, Mark Twain and Abraham Lincoln.

John was an avid cyclist, and was a passionate advocate of adequate safe, secure, and easily accessible bike parking.

Johnny, as his family called him, was a kind and compassionate redhead, who always marched to his own drummer. He was dearly loved, and will be greatly missed.

At John’s request, there will be no services. Consider taking a bike ride or visiting a library in John’s honor.

John is survived by his sisters: Joyce Cramer (Leawood), Donna Thornburg (Leawood), Marilee (Mike) Skidmore (Ottawa), and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial contributions may be made to East Lawrence Neighborhood Association or the Ottawa Library, and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th St., Lawrence, KS 66044.