After his death was announced on Facebook, a flood of comments expressing condolences were posted, many including fond memories of Thornton. Many operate and feel more like a resort rather than senior living -- designed with an all-inclusive price tag that simplifies daily chores like cooking, cleaning and transportation, and offer community support and activities. 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. Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / Dane Bradshaw, President of Thunder Enterprises discusses the project. His floors were made of fossils and other crazy shit. I wanted nothing more than to pursue my dream of acting, which I learned here at the University of Tennessee, she told the December 2015 graduating class at commencement where she received an honorary masters degree in fine arts. . "This has kind of become my church," says Wilson. Thornton's Thunder Enterprises has acquired 7,400 acres Sasser won his U.S. Senate race in 1976, defeating incumbent Bill Brock, who had previously defeated Gore. Consumer Advocate For State Attorney General's Office Files Complaint But both of the mountaintop developments, along with the new Cameron Harbor project taking shape at the site of the former Rarity Club on Nickajack Lake, are drawing local workers and relocating seniors. If not, he expected his bouncers to. An extremely popular dance and night club the Tavern had to be closed upon Mr. Thornton's death in 2019. "That's why I think Jasper Highlands was so successful, and we hope Aetna Mountain will be as well.". , . I didn't want to agree to any punitive damages, because I didn't do anything wrong. Some names remain so tied to the University of Tennessee that the natural assumption is that they are alumni. People just like to enjoy the outdoor environment up there.". They are about $5 million apiece. Ultimately, the development is expected to top $750 million in investment, with most homes ranging from $400,000 to $2 million in value. "That's why I think Jasper Highlands was so successful, and we hope Aetna Mountain will be as well.". Just a super good guy.. Forbes: These 9 billionaires call Tennessee home She majored in theater from 1979 to 1984 before leaving prior to graduation to pursue acting full time, but she remains committed to giving back to the University. 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. Thornton and Guerry join three other previously named UC Foundation life trustees: Max Bahner, Joseph Decosimo and John Guerry, who is Zan's uncle. Probably by this weekend. AKIN, PEYTON KYLE One man in Tennessee isn't waiting for his corrupted officialshe built his own broadband network. With most of the 1,300 mountaintop lots now developed and sold as Jasper Highlands - and the Top of the Rock restaurant on Jasper Mountain also enjoying success - the nearly 100 employees at Thunder Enterprises have their sights on a new mountain community. He will build only 23 exclusive homes on 700 acres along the Snake River. Unlike Jasper Highlands, where the developers had to build their own high-speed internet service, EPB serves Aetna Mountain with its Gig internet and power connections. "There are a lot of springs and creeks and the views are just incredible. He left an indelible mark as a legendary University of Tennessee president who transformed the university by turning it into a statewide system of higher education. "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.". Funeral services are set for Sunday at OBryant-OKeefe Funeral Home in Pascagoula. The Times Free Press toured the undeveloped property on Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021. "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. Cleveland's Allan Jones Buys Thornton Ranch At Jackson Hole John Thornton, a native of Maryville, Tenn., never made it on to the Forbes 400 list--but he's certainly not hurting for cash. Knoxville, TN 37996 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. People from around the country and the world are choosing to spend After selling his business, he bought a second home in the Teton Pines development in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Despite two stints of studying at the University of Tennessee, the writer known as Cormac McCarthy never completed a degree. He and his wife, Eileen, have a proposal before the Planning Commission for a. Black Creek is a more conventional, denser development with city sewers. , Yahoo, Yahoo. Hes always had a soft heart, Maxwell said. He has sold 16 of the 23 tracts that will be developed. Lot sales for River Gorge Ranch began in May 2022. He began his business career selling knockoffs of oriental carpets. Seniors can continue to live an active lifestyle, without the worry. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. * Chattanooga money experts weigh in on the baby boomer retirement wave and share advice on reaching the golden years in financial comfort. 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. Thornton companies to pay $50,000 to settle state's - PressReader Thunder Enterprises acquires 7,400 acres for another mountaintop A former member of UT's Board of Trustees, Thornton and his family have served the University well over the years and his legacy will be reflected in the lives of each of the young student-athletes served within the facility. Tennessee Developer - John 'Thunder' Thornton | TNLand He was a bit rough-and-tumble. Just off of the Interstate 24 Haletown exit, Exit 161, River Gorge Ranch will be about a 20-minute drive to Chattanooga and will offer a similar appeal to what has drawn retirees and other homebuyers from 48 states and eight different countries to Jasper Highlands, according to Dane Bradshaw, president of Thunder Enterprises. A claim for punitive damages in the case was dismissed. As Chief Executive Officer John "Thunder" Thornton, a Blount County native, put it, Bradshaw is the company's "captain.". Here are 5 tips to get started. Some residents of the mountaintop community of Jasper Highlands are upset with developer John "Thunder" Thornton, saying his company is using heavy-handed tactics in business disputes. Jezek moved to Chattanooga from Oklahoma after losing her husband of 66 years. Lawyer. Does anyone have the old HGTV(?) episode of the Chattanooga - Reddit It was at that show that the Harps picked up promotional material on Jasper Highlands. Only these diamonds swim in pristine waters. Each is 35 to 50 acres. His dissertation addressed the struggle for public support of education in Tennessee, where he subsequently became executive secretary for the Tennessee Education Association (TEA). Before Everlan, he had started to suffer from loneliness. Thunder Enterprises bought Jasper Mountain in January 2008, shortly before the Great Recession slowed the housing market. PHOTO COURTESY KNOXVILLE NEWS SENTINEL "I thought 'This can be home.'". You have permission to edit this article. Thornton says if he is successful with the donation, it will mean a significant tax deduction for his operation, but that is only a minor role in this drama. A wonderful friend and a big part of my life., Thunder gave me my first job. With 40 homes already built or nearly finished and a dozen more homes starting to be built, developer John "Thunder" Thornton said he also is planning some more amenities to the top of the Cumberland Plateau in the next year to bring modern conveniences and recreation closer to those living in the gated community. It is my ministry.. If that's the Home of the Mr. Thornton listed he done quite well himself. [5] John Thunder Thornton is on Facebook. Under Holt, enrollment tripled; faculty and staff doubled; eight new buildings were added to the Knoxville campus; funding increased 400 percent; the Martin campus added graduate programs; the Space Institute was established in Tullahoma; the formerly private University of Chattanooga became part of the new UT System; and a distinguished science program was initiated in cooperation with Oak Ridge National Laboratory. They "tripled down" on advertising, not knowing how long COVID would last. Bradshaw said. [2] He is also executive chairman of Barrick Gold Corporation [3] [4] and non-executive chairman of PineBridge Investments. Residents say James 'Thunder' Thornton's company is using heavy-handed tactics in business disputes such as threat of arrest and court action. They noticed a line of people buzzing in and out of another room and decided to investigate. Ways to get involved in the upcoming elections. 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. Almost instantly, they can see how community living offers support and relief. "It's just wonderful," he says. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. The following information is provided for citations. (Richard Lucas may be contacted at r [email protected].) Everlan resident John Wilson agrees. Copyright 2023, Chattanooga Times Free Press, Inc. All rights reserved. The lots in Jasper Highlands typically range from 1 to 5 acres in size and sell anywhere from $70,000 for interior lots up to more than $800,000 for some of the prime bluff-view lots near waterfalls. Daily Kos moves in solidarity with the Black community. "Dane has been a leader his entire life. Jim Sasser has accomplished much, but being a University of Tennessee graduate does not make the list. 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. 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. 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.