James Louis Horvath

James Louis Horvath (Jim), 73, of Muncie, Indiana passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, on April 7, 2016 after bravely battling a long illness. Jim was born on January 25, 1943 in Muncie, Indiana to Louis and Lucille (Deckman) Horvath, and was the grandson of Hungarian immigrants. He was the oldest brother of Robert and Nancy (Horvath) Anderson. Jim grew up in Muncie and attended Lincoln Elementary, Wilson Middle School and Central High School. During his childhood days, he spent his best times riding bikes through the city with his friends, and his beloved dog Lady. While attending school at Wilson and Central, he ran hurdles in track and played football, but had to stop early to go to work to support his mother and siblings. Once out of high school, Jim joined the United States Navy on April 13, 1960 and was later honorably discharged. On January 29, 1962 he married the love of his life, Marti (Joris) Horvath at Madison Street United Methodist Church. Their marriage produced two children, Melanie Jo Horvath and James Scott Horvath. They were a couple that exemplified love and affection throughout their 44 years of marriage before her death in 2007. Jim made a career at Maxon Corporation, of Muncie. He was a manufacturing engineer for 35 years. His quick thinking and mathematical mind made him a great asset to the company. At the time of his retirement he was Supervisor of Manufacturing Engineering. Jim always had a lifelong love of cars and he owned many over the years but usually only for a few years at a time. He received his first (and favorite) vehicle, a 1937 Ford truck with a flathead, from his uncle, as payment for working a long summer on his farm. Jim also loved to travel, taking his wife and kids on many adventurous road trips. As he grew older, he dutifully took Marti on many shopping trips, enjoying every mile. He was a practiced movie critic, food critic, and music critic, but usually only criticized to advise on something even better. He loved watching the Food Network, and changing the recipes to make delicious meals for his grandchildren. He frequently shared movies and TV shows with family that "passed" his critique. He was a lover of comics, country music, Candy Crush, and jelly beans. Jim was a wonderful father and grandfather. His care of his wife and children went above and beyond. He was slow to judge, fun to talk to, and kind to all. In his later years, he fought bravely through many illnesses to ensure that he would see his grandchildren grow and succeed. Jim is survived by his loving family; his son, Scott, and daughter-in-law Nancy (Bates)Horvath, as well as two grandchildren, Olivia and Vincent Horvath. His wife Marti, and daughter Melanie will be greeting him with open arms to welcome him home. He is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Christy Horvath and Shirley Joris as well as nieces Jamie Rutherford and Jackie Rideout and nephews Bo Horvath and Jason Joris and several great nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his loving wife, Marti Horvath, daughter Melanie Horvath, parents, Louis and Lucille Horvath, brother, Robert Horvath and sister, Nancy Anderson Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 12, 2016 at Elm Ridge Funeral Home, 4600 W. Kilgore Avenue, Muncie, IN 47304 with Rev. Ray Armstrong officiating. Burial will follow at Elm Ridge Memorial Park. Family and friends may call at Elm Ridge Funeral Home from 5:00 until 8:00 pm Monday or after 9:00 am Tuesday. Memorial Contributions may be made to Corinth United Methodist Church Club 52 youth program. Leave online condolence/view memorial video at www.elmridgefuneralhome.com.