JOHN THORNTON, 44, of Chattanooga, is rich, but not Forbes Four Hundred rich. Thornton continued his development business from Thunder Enterprises headquarters in Chattanooga. He has sold 16 of the 23 tracts that will be developed. Put all that together and that's what drove us here.". Hed sit there swiveling in that old barber chair all night, listening to music and people would stand there and hang out with him, Blackman said. In 1984 he founded American Rug Craftsman, the nation's largest producer of decorative floor mats. JohnThunder Thornton is a Chattanooga developer who needed broadband, high-speed internet access to his residential development in the Jasper Mountain area of Marion County. Associated Press text, photo, graphic, audio and/or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium. Thornton said he envisions selling the 2,500 or so home lots over the next seven to 10 years. Similar to Jasper Highlands, most of the homebuyers are expected to be retirees or near-retirees, although the development is not age restricted. Dane Bradshaw, president of Jasper Highlands, said, Weve continued to see record-breaking sales in 2021 as we did last year. John Thornton, the owner of Thunder Enterprises, said he expects Aetna Mountain to double the amount of the investment in Jasper Highlands, a similar mountaintop gated community that Thornton developed over the past decade just 9 miles further west along Interstate 24. "Most people would never expect for it to be so light and bright and open and clean. 12When John "Thunder" Thornton bought Jasper Mountain in 2008 to develop one of Tennessee's biggest mountaintop communities, the Chattanooga developer initially encountered some skepticism. But they've decided home maintenance and daily chores have become too much. One story, in fact, holds that when Thornton arrived on the Oxford campus, Manning was assigned as Thorntons big brother, to show the freshman the ropes. They were subsequently sued by Comcast because Comcast is a monopoly and not unlike this guy. Neither these AP materials nor any portion thereof may be stored in a computer except for personal and noncommercial use. The legend of Thunder's started with John "Thunder" Thornton, who opened Thunder's Tavern in 1977. Unlike Jasper Highlands, River Gorge Ranch will include sidewalks and bike paths through most of the developed areas. 865-974-5179 [2] He is also executive chairman of Barrick Gold Corporation [3] [4] and non-executive chairman of PineBridge Investments. His parents were Walter M. and Doris Pepe Thornton. He was a bit rough-and-tumble. I was googling My name too see how many others there were in this country. Johnny was born on February 17, 1951 in Carthage, Mississippi. "Most of these sites will be 1 to 1.5 acres in size, with plenty of open areas to provide the privacy most people always wanted but still with a sense of community," said Dane Bradshaw, president of Jasper Highlands. Developer John "Thunder" Thornton said his Jasper Highlands community is selling out much faster than expected, and he has acquired another 7,400 acres of mountaintop land in Marion County. John C. Thornton is chairman of Thunder Enterprises, an investment and real estate development firm in Chattanooga. We must remain vigilant. But the sense of community has helped relieve some of that. Rest in peace., RIP Thunder, you were there for many of us through the decades.. They do not actually innovate anymore because they spend their resources maintaining a monopoly and not creating a better product. We also have more land on top of the mountain for home sites and for green spaces than we did on Jasper Mountain.". Related Thornton Center and Haslam College of Business Join Forces for Big Orange Combine Nov 2 / Thornton Center All rights reserved (About Us). He earned the bachelor's degree in business management from Tennessee Wesleyan College in 1975. Copyright 2023, Chattanooga Times Free Press, Inc. The private developer spent more than $400,000 to build his own fiber network and link it with a power cooperative in Stevenson, Ala., where fast broadband is available. "I can't take credit for this, but someone once said that when you acquire land you are buying its past and are responsible for its future. "Neighbors come by to say hello, or go to dinner," she says. After developing Jasper Mountain into one of the South's biggest mountaintop residential developments over the past decade, John "Thunder" Thornton is planning a similar development just 9 miles to the southwest atop Aetna Mountain. Jezek moved to Chattanooga from Oklahoma after losing her husband of 66 years. That was the premier place to play in the 80s and 90s, for sure, Blackman said. Age at Arrest: 25 years old Unfortunately, Comcast isnt the only telecom with monopoly greeds needs and soAT&T launched their corporate hyena squadand threw around some big moneyat and into Chattanooga. Black Creek is a more conventional, denser development with city sewers. The developers had to build a road up the mountain, along with building their own utilities, from water to high-speed internet service. The Top of the Rock restaurant built at the entrance of Jasper Highlands "has been a huge success," Thornton said, and he hopes to have similar amenities atop Aetna Mountain. Can you donate $3 right now to help Daily Kos keep fighting? DISORDERLY CONDUCT more, Two teenagers were arrested in a "KIA Boys" auto theft attempt. He has been captain . , , , , , , . . Wilson moved back to Chattanooga from Tuscaloosa, Alabama after the birth of his first grandchild. It had been expected that it would take 10-12 years to sell all the lots at Jasper Highlands. He became a land developer with his 1997 purchase at auction of the 1,300-acre Crescent H Ranch with one-and-one-half miles of unspoiled Snake River waterfront for $52 million. Last year, the governor came in at No. After he opened the tavern, Thornton could frequently be found sitting in an old barbers chair he had installed in the bar near the entrance, holding court with visitors. She described her journey to success as years of hard work, including odd jobswaitress, receptionist, driver for a tofu sandwich truck, products sales clerk in grocery stores, custodian, and performing as Barney the dinosaur and Shrek the giant at childrens parties. Haven't been able to find it online anywhere since. The community now has more than 26 miles of roads with multiple pools, hiking and biking trails, tennis and pickleball courts, a wellness center, two restaurants and a pavilion overlooking the river. Dickey found her niche on stage and screen playing harsh characters that have earned her the title of reigning queen of Southern gothic in TV roles such as True Blood, Breaking Bad, Justified, My Name is Earl and Christy. During that historic time, China continued opening to the West, though it wasnt without trouble. His novels Child of God and Suttree continued his exploration of East Tennessee and Appalachian themes. Some discovered their passions that would carry them to fame and fortune. Johnny attended Pascagoula Schools and was an outstanding football star tackle. 865-974-1000. Similar to the Harps, Juanita Jezek knew she had found her new home the moment she walked through the front door. In an interview Tuesday, Ross said he couldn't afford an attorney, and said the jury deadlocked. Our Tennessee By 2034, the Census Bureau estimates there will be 77 million people 65 years and older compared to 76.5 million under the age of 18. Many are still working -- some remotely, and some still going to offices. Thornton bought the ranch in a complicated and dazzling foreclosure sale for $52 million and 13 cents, $20 million higher than the appraised value. In 1984 he founded American Rug Craftsman, the nations largest producer of decorative floor mats. "It's just wonderful," he says. To date, nearly all of the 1,300 lots have been sold, with about 50 still available -- spurring Thunder Enterprises to launch an even bigger mountaintop resort community atop nearby Aetna Mountain, known as River Gorge Ranch. Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD "It's really been fun since we bought this property to be walking the land and finding lakes and ponds that we never knew were there that just the hunting club knew about," Thornton said. Everybody's come from somewhere else. The area is also about 10 minutes closer to Chattanooga, while still being in nature and near the Tennessee River. Tenacity is a big thing youve got to have out there, no matter what it is you are going after. I didn't want to agree to any punitive damages, because I didn't do anything wrong. Companies tied to Chattanooga developer John "Thunder" Thornton have agreed to pay $50,000 to settle a state of Tennessee complaint alleging legal violations over the Jasper Highlands water. 2101 HIGHWAY 220 LAVINIA, Outside the mountaintop gate, developers hope to begin construction by this summer of a restaurant for their new development, which will be open to both residents and visitors. That work resulted in a teacher retirement plan and a statewide sales tax to help finance public education. At 4 feet 11 inches, Leslie Jordan stands tall for comedy. It is some of the finest real estate in America. Holt was renowned as a prolific charismatic public speaker, creating in commencement ceremonies the Holt pledge for new graduates to Brag on my alma mater at every opportunity as immodestly as a grandfather brags on his grandson.. His dissertation addressed the struggle for public support of education in Tennessee, where he subsequently became executive secretary for the Tennessee Education Association (TEA). The Times Free Press toured the undeveloped property on November 2, 2021. The 49-year-old started his own business selling knockoff rugs,. We couldn't be more excited to be kicking this project off.". Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Nobody has ever given away $35 million worth of property to a conservation easement before. https://volopedia.lib.utk.edu/entries/john-thornton/, Pendergrass Agriculture & Veterinary Medicine Library, Torch Night: Symbolically Passing the Torch, Open Library of Humanities Partnership Supports Open Sharing of Research, Maggie Longmire sings original ballads of Tennessee coal country, The Monica Abbott Story: Softball legend to sign books, April 21 & 23, Cartoonist Charlie Daniel inducted into East Tennessee Writers Hall of Fame, Middle School and High School Students Will Display Their Data Artistry, Henry Luce Foundation Grant to Fund Programs Highlighting Beauford Delaney Papers. "Peace: How Do We Keep It?" In 1982, he caught the bus for Hollywood where he has found continued acting successfirst in commercials before branching out into television, theater and film. , Yahoo, Yahoo. Jordan played newspaper editor Mr. Blackly in the 2011 movie The Help and most recently appeared in American Horror Story: Roanoke after having previously appeared in American Horror Story: Coven. Just a super good guy.. ourtennessee@tennessee.edu, A History of Generous Giving Means a More Prosperous Tennessee Future. He has served on the UT Board of Trustees, as chair of the UT Athletics Facilities Capital Campaign, as chair of the UT Development Council, and as cochair of the womens athletics Development Campaign. Developer wants to sell mountaintop system for $2.39 million to Tennessee American. His novel All the Pretty Horses won the National Book Award and the National Book Critics Circle Award in 1992. I played there myself from the late 90s until about the mid-2000s.. "Now, the trend over the years has become this nature-oriented community. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. From that day forward, they kept their eyes on the new community and did their research on the developers, Thunder Enterprises. "Our costs are much less, but then I don't have to pay for 27 lobbyists in Nashville like AT&T does," Thornton quipped. All rights reserved. Just off of the Interstate 24 Haletown exit, Exit 161, Thornton said the features of the property resemble what has drawn buyers from 47 states and a half dozen countries to Jasper Highlands: seclusion without isolation. He was a character, said former Pascagoula police officer Chuck Fowler of his friend of some 30 years. Holt is credited with establishing the faculty retirement system and improving fundraising with the UT Development Council. Site content may be used for any purpose without explicit permission unless otherwise specified. Although there are several multimillion-dollar homes on the brow built or planned at Jasper Highlands, the average 2,000-square-foot home at Jasper Highlands is priced at about $650,000. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. If the police department needed something, we could go to him and ask for help and hed do whatever was needed, Fowler said. Thornton's Thunder Enterprises has acquired 7,400 acres If that's the Home of the Mr. Thornton listed he done quite well himself. John "Thunder" Thornton sits in his pickup truck, high on a Wyoming summit, and looks out over the shimmering scenery. "The No. Almost instantly, they can see how community living offers support and relief. "He was a big, burly guy who could be mean as a hornet, but for the most part, he was a gentle giant who loved people and loved to take care of folks. He won a 2006 Emmy for best guest actor in a comedy series with his portrayal of Beverley Leslie on Will and Grace. "Kos" and "Daily Kos" are registered trademarks of Kos Media, LLC. Fincher says her oldest tenant right now is 98 years old; and she has about eight residents who are in their 50s, the youngest of whom is 54 years old. He is a Pascagoula High School graduate and holds a Bachelor of Business . Chattanooga, Tennessee, had some great success bringing the fastest internet to its municipality by created its own broadband service. The wealthy elite are buying up what is left of Jackson Hole, driving land prices up astronomically. 1,121, with his net worth totaling $1.6 billion. He began his business career selling knockoffs of oriental carpets. The main entrance road up the mountain will be built near the Haletown exit and be visible from Interstate 24, Thornton said. After college, he worked as a bouncer, so he wasnt afraid to throw knuckles if he needed to. Manning, Thornton would say in the telling, enlisted the freshmans help in signing some of the thousands of autographs Manning would receive in those days. This document may not be reprinted without the express written permission of Chattanooga Times Free Press, Inc. Material from the Associated Press is Copyright 2023, Associated Press and may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Instead, he completed 10 novels, many to critical acclaim. the 8,900 acres Thunder Enterprises acquired or optioned to buy at Jasper Mountain in 2008. "That's why I think Jasper Highlands was so successful, and we hope Aetna Mountain will be as well.". ", Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. John "Thunder" Thornton has recently purchased 7,400 acres atop Aetna Mountain, near Haletown, to develop. Andy Holt was born in 1904 in West Tennessee and came from a family of educators. "There was the lower cost of living. Follow him on Twitter @dflessner1. We don't have billionaire backers like some right-wing media outlets. If not, he expected his bouncers to. ", Restaurant-style dining; outdoor dining and fire table; housekeeping and maintenance; activity and wellness programming; transportation services; exercise room; salon; movie theater; putting green; pickle ball court; billiards; dog park; outdoor dining and fire table; herb garden, * Price range: Studio to 2BR / $2,810 to $4,800 monthly, Restaurant-style dining; outdoor dining and fire table; housekeeping and maintenance; activity and wellness programming; transportation and valet parking; movie theater; computer center; salon; in-house pharmacy; library; no fee for pets; 24-hour fitness center, * Price range: Studio to 3BR / $3,518 to $5,769 monthly, Restaurant-style dining; outdoor dining; housekeeping and maintenance; activity and wellness programming; transportation services and garage parking; fitness center; laundry services; billiards room; heated saltwater pool and hot tub; putting green and bocce ball court, * Price range: Studio to 2BR / $2,900 to $5,300 monthly, Restaurant-style dining; outdoor dining with fire table; housekeeping and maintenance; social activities and wellness programming; transportation services; salon; washer/dryer in all rooms; induction heat stoves; wheelchair accessible showers, * Price range: $1,495 (studio w/o services); Studio to 2BR / $1,995 to $3,595 monthly, * Chattanooga investment advisor says women face four main financial challenges as they look toward retirement. Some changed the university forever. 1 shares; Written by Richard Lucas. Plus, she says, there's lots to do. They discovered a show put on by Ideal Living Magazine, offering promotional materials for retirement communities throughout the country. But Thornton said Aetna Mountain will offer the open spaces of a ranch with views of the Tennessee River gorge and other mountains all around it. Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / Atop Aetna Mountain John "Thunder" Thornton, CEO of Thunder Enterprises, discusses his next project. Hes calling the place Gig Mountain. Thornton tried to support the initiative to expand the municipal created broadband. All of them.". "Try to find 7,500 acres within 20 minutes of a metropolitan city anywhere, but to find this scenic site next to such a great city like Chattanooga is about impossible," he said. ", "With the COVID lockdown, there was already an appreciation for rural, spacious living -- but that appreciation went through the roof," says Bradshaw. Hello; My name is John C. Thornton of Quincy, illinois. John 'Thunder' Thornton wins $15.4M judgment against Mike Ross, Tennessee suspends sales tax on groceries for 3 months, UPDATE: Volkswagen Chattanooga employees, and driver identified, Woman abducted in Chattanooga and beaten for four days, Georgia medical marijuana stores open, ending long struggle, High school senior graduating two years early offered admission at more than 170 colleges and more than $9 million in scholarships, New details on two Hixson Elementary employees under investigation, One killed, two injured when vehicle hits pedestrians near Volkswagen plant, Chattanooga police make arrests in Saturday shooting/pursuit at Hamilton Place Mall, Coalmont Elementary closing at end of school year, Great week for restaurants in the Tennessee Valley, no restaurants fail inspections, Opening weekend for the Chattanooga Market, Chattanooga Radio Control Club hosts free flying event, East Ridge City Library Celebrates 50 years. It is pretty crazy eating at the Boathouse and seeing that giant place just across the river. Join Facebook to connect with John Thunder Thornton and others you may know. Sasser began his collegiate career at the University of Tennessee, attending from 1954 to 1955 before he transferred to Vanderbilt University. "The aging of baby boomers means that within just a couple decades, older people are projected to outnumber children for the first time in U.S. history," says Jonathan Vespa, a demographer with the U.S. Census Bureau. Not in terms of acreage. "Buyers are eager to find a dream home in scenic Tennessee, and we're able to offer them a great extension of the community we've created at Jasper Highlands.". The complaint says the development, which is owned by John "Thunder" Thornton of Chattanooga, is charging water rates not approved by the commission. I didn't commit any fraud.. This document may not be reprinted without the express written permission of Chattanooga Times Free Press, Inc. Material from the Associated Press is Copyright 2023, Associated Press and may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Read more from our news partners at the Knoxville News Sentinel. Thornton is sitting on the mother lode. Sasser was trapped inside the besieged embassy for four days. (Richard Lucas may be contacted at r [email protected].) Despite his intimidating size and sometimes gruff demeanor, however, Thornton is remembered for being of generous spirit, always willing to help. Thunder Enterprises, which is based in Kimball and continues to work on adding more sites at Jasper Highlands, should begin selling some sites for future homes at River Gorge Ranch later this month. * Chattanooga money experts weigh in on the baby boomer retirement wave and share advice on reaching the golden years in financial comfort. "Everything was so light and airy and fresh and new," she remembers. His death was announced Wednesday on the Facebook page of Thunder's Tavern, the Pascagoula night spot and live music venue he had owned since 1977. He also fought to include African Americans in state delegations to NEA conventions and later persuaded UT trustees to integrate undergraduate education, admitting the first African American students in 1961. Lawyer. Companies tied to Chattanooga developer John "Thunder" Thornton have agreed to pay $50,000 to settle a state of Tennessee complaint alleging legal violations over the Jasper Highlands water system. They noticed a line of people buzzing in and out of another room and decided to investigate. Is Sermon Topic At Middle Valley Church Of God On Sunday, Holston United Methodists Finalize Departure Of 264 Congregations, Including Several Locally. But when, after major back surgery, he fell at home, laying on the floor for hours until help arrived -- Wilson took the initiative to find a place that offered support. "Like at Jasper Highlands, we want to offer seclusion without isolation," Bradshaw said in a phone interview. Knoxville, TN 37902 Sasser won his U.S. Senate race in 1976, defeating incumbent Bill Brock, who had previously defeated Gore. Everlan resident John Wilson agrees. One man in Tennessee isn't waiting for his corrupted officialshe built his own broadband network. "We loved it.". In 1950, Holt began his 20-year UT career, first as executive assistant to the president, then as vice president from 1953 to 1959, and finally as president until 1970 when he retired. Ideal Living partners with RetireTN, a state program designed to attract new retirees to senior communities across the Volunteer State. Since the onset of the pandemic, we saw a dramatic increase in sales because people are looking for a different type of lifestyle. "Dane has been a leader his entire life. The AP will not be held liable for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions therefrom or in the transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages arising from any of the foregoing. UT Tower 1248C As senator, Sasser served as chairman of the Senate Budget Committee from1989 until he relinquished his seat to Frist. John "Thunder" Thornton, a close friend of Wolford's, described him as "one of the toughest, greatest, fair, sweetest guys I've ever met." "I don't think ever in my life if I've been more honored to talk about one of the greatest guys and one of my best friends on the face of this earth," Thornton said at the groundbreaking ceremony. He earned the bachelors degree in business management from Tennessee Wesleyan College in 1975. Its been 32 years since Knoxville-born Diana Dale Dickey was a UT Knoxville student. Bob Tamasy: What Does A Life Worth Living Require? Though Sasser managed Albert Gore Sr.s unsuccessful reelection campaign in 1970, his own campaigns later bore better fruit. However this isn't This case. Fuller said he also considered a nearby mountaintop development in Marion County put together by Chattanoogan John "Thunder" Thornton and how he has had success bringing in people from around the . "Since the onset of the pandemic, we saw a dramatic increase in sales because people are looking for a different type of lifestyle. Over the next decade, River Gorge Ranch is expected to swell the population on Aetna Mountain from about 10 residents today to an estimated 5,000 or more once the development is fully built out. Millionaires have been buying the rest as aging ranchers or their children give up incredible parcels of what once was the Old West. Only these diamonds swim in pristine waters. Among them: Thornton was also known for his support of local musicians and many have fond memories of days playing at Thunders, including both Fowler and Rob Blackman, a Pascagoula native and now an Ocean Springs alderman. Studying here gave me my life, Dickey told the new graduates in Knoxville, so anything I can do to inspire and keep peoples dreams goingthats what I want to do.. Probably by this weekend. more, Here is the latest Hamilton County arrest report: If ever a wish of A lost uncle or great grandfather of a wealthy nature. Thornton is sitting on the mother lode. "It's the fellowship -- I was pretty hungry for that. Bradshaw said the new development will include lots atop Aetna Mountain similar in size to Jasper Highlands with 1 to 1.5 acres each for most parcels. In late June, Thornton completed a court-ordered transaction in bankruptcy proceedings after 10 months of legal and personal negotiations. American Rug Craftsmen was a supplier to Wal-Mart, and under John's leadership, was . Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / Dane Bradshaw, President of Thunder Enterprises discusses the project. He was like that with everyone -- hed do anything to help anybody in any way he could, as long as it was on the level.. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. He believes this woman was attempting to break into his home. In 2017, the Harps decided Tennessee was the place to be, and began building their "forever home" in Jasper Highlands -- a high-end mountaintop retirement community in Kimball overlooking the Tennessee River and Nickajack Lake. Funeral services are set for Sunday at OBryant-OKeefe Funeral Home in Pascagoula. Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / This view of Nickajack, along a TVA transmission line, is an example of the views that will be crated when Aetna Mountain is developed by Thornton Enterprises. The Marion County Planning Commission recently approved rezoning for 390 residential lots in the first phase of the new River Gorge Ranch. While Jasper Highlands and River Gorge are two high-end options for retirees (the communities aren't age-restricted, but tend to be ages 55 and up), several luxury independent living communities for seniors have been built in the Chattanooga region within the last five to 10 years. The couple discovered the budding community years before that, while attending a trade show back in Chicago. Every day, more than 10,000 Americans turn 65 years old, helping to swell the number of seniors in America to new record highs. And if I wanted to sell them, I could. John C. Thornton is Founder and CEO of real estate development company Thunder Enterprises. But when she walked in the front doors at Everlan -- it felt right. Today, there are more than 200 homes, with another 100 under construction, with residents from all 50 states and nine foreign countries. John "Thunder" Thornton has recently purchased 7,400 acres atop Aetna Mountain, near Haletown, to develop similarly to his Jasper Highlands, just a few miles away. "I think the draw of our county is the beauty of this area with the river and our mountains, combined with a very low property tax rate and cost of living," said Marion County Mayor David Jackson. John Thunder Thornton, a significant University of Tennessee donor, had sued Ross and a pair of business entities related to Ross over Rarity Club, a waterfront project in Marion County, TN. After selling his business, he bought a second home in the Teton Pines development in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Black Creek is a more conventional, denser development with city sewers. It's like owning diamond mines in South Africa. Plus, with remote work growing in popularity, people had more freedom to move and explore without giving up their paychecks. Neither these AP materials nor any portion thereof may be stored in a computer except for personal and noncommercial use. The Times Free Press toured the undeveloped property on Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021. Like the others, he too knew immediately when he walked in -- this was the place. Thornton, along with company president Dane Bradshaw, first began work on Jasper Highlands more than decade ago in 2012.
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