James Harold Houghton died at Avow Hospice House in Naples on May 9th, 2023, less than a week after a tragic accident, at the age of 78. He was surrounded by his loving and caring family. James, known by all who loved him as Jim, was born in Watertown, NY on December 25, 1944. He was a graduate of Andrew S. Draper High School in Schenevus, NY and Oneonta State University. He received his Masters degree from Seton Hall and his Doctorate of Education from Albany State University.
Jim married Kathleen Nevins in June 1968 and they recently celebrated 54 years of marriage. Jim and Kathy proudly welcomed their only son James Arthur Houghton into their family in 1974. They moved to Marco Island from New York and have been long time residents of both Florida and Hammond, NY, where they enjoyed being on the St. Lawrence River and close to their family and friends.
Jim was an educator and principal in his early years. He then switched professions and began working for Metropolitan Life Insurance Company in Naples as an insurance and financial services agent. He was a member of The Rotary Club of Marco Sunrise and President of Rotary International from 1993 to 1994.
Jim was predeceased by his parents, Benjamin and Jane (Gill) Houghton, as well as his in-laws, Gertrude and Arthur Nevins and his brother-in-law, James Morgan. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Kathleen and his son James; his sister Marilyn Morgan, brother-In-law Arthur and his wife Amanda Nevins, and brother-in-law Thomas Nevins and his wife Chika. Also left to cherish his memory are his nieces and nephews: Arthur Nevins, Nicole (Nevins) and Christopher Verteramo; William and Anne Fernald Morgan and their children Olivia and Isabel; and Robert and Laurie Morgan and their children Patrick, Christopher, and Emily.
The Houghton Family wants to extend our sincere and heartfelt gratitude to the Gulf Coast Trauma Unit and especially to Ryan and Hannah, the RN’s who were so incredibly helpful during Jim’s final days. The entire Palliative Care Team and the Avow Hospice Team have our deepest thanks, especially Dr. Janice Cooper, who supported the family brilliantly so we could allow Jim to pass peacefully.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Avow Hospice House at 1095 Whippoorwill Lane Naples, Florida 34105. The family will have a private ceremony to celebrate Jim’s life.
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AVOW Hospice1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, Florida 34105
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