James Walter Silverthorn, 59, of Elysburg, PA, formerly of Milford, NJ, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Saturday May 16, 2009.

Born September, 30, 1949 in Phillipsburg, NJ, James lived in Milford before moving to Elysburg, PA 16 years ago. He was a truck driver for Mt. Carmel Cogen in Marion Heights, PA, prior to that he worked for Catawissa Lumber Co. in Paxinos, PA and Johanna Farms in Flemington, NJ. James was a lead singer and guitar player with the band Free Country, in New Jersey and was also a member of the band Country Express, in Pennsylvania. He was an animal lover and collector of antique tractors and engines. James was a loving husband, father and grandfather and will be dearly missed by his family.

Son of the late Walter and Evelyn (Norris) Silverthorn, James is survived by his beloved wife of 27 years, Nola Jean (Houston) Silverthorn, two daughters, Sherry Masteller of Riegelsville, PA and Karen Niechniedowicz of South Carolina, two sons, Michael of South Carolina and Steven of New Jersey, a sister Debbie Liechliter of Upper Black Eddy, PA, seven grandchildren, Keith, Danielle, Kayla, Anthony, Alyssa, John Vincent and Logan James and three nephews, Joel, Dwayne and Jason.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday May 20, 2009 at 1:00 PM at the Johnson-Walton Funeral Home, 24 Church Rd. Holland Township, NJ. Interment will follow at Milford Union Cemetery. Visitation will also be Wednesday from 11 AM 1 PM, prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Hunterdon Humane Society, 576 Staments Rd., Milford, NJ 08848. For more information or to send online condolences, please visit www.JohnsonWalton.com .