Jonathan B. Thornsberry killed in combat

Lance Cpl. Jonathan B. Thornberry, 22, of McDowell followed his brother, father and grandfather into the military.

In a phone interview yesterday, Jeff Thornberry's voice cracked as he spoke about his only brother, who died earlier this week while serving in Iraq.

"He was a wonderful person," Jeff Thornberry said. "He was a good kid ... he loved his daughter and he loved his nephews."

Jeff Thornberry served in the Air Force until 1998 and had spent time in Iraq. He said his father served in Vietnam and grandfather in World War II.

Jonathan Thornberry died Wednesday while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to Marine Forces Reserve's 3rd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, in Johnson City, Tenn.

Thornberry graduated from South Floyd High School in nearby Hi Hat. He worked in coal mines and joined the reserves in January 2004, Jeff Thornberry said.

"It was just something he wanted to do," he said.

Jonathan Thornberry married last summer and had a 20-month-old daughter.

"He loved kids," Jeff Thornberry said. He enjoyed being with his family, hunting and riding four-wheelers.

He'd served in Iraq for about a month.

Jeff Thornberry said he had not talked to his brother since this summer, during a break in training.

Forty-six members of the military from Kentucky have died in Iraq since 2003.

Thornberry is survived by his wife Toni, daughter Haylee Jo, parents Jack and Judy Thornberry and his brother.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

"We're still waiting to get him home," Jeff Thornberry said.

From the Herald Leader

Note: The DOD lists the name as 'Thornsberry'. But news reports such as this one refer to 'Thornberry' (no 's). We will correct as it is clarified.