James Richard Horton

Mr. Horton was born July 9, 1938 in Jefferson County, New York, to the late Maurice Pitt Horton

and Jessie Lee Horton.

Survivors include his three sons, James Horton of Key West, FL, Paul Horton, and Timothy

Horton, along with his partner, Susan of Burgaw, NC; a daughter Kathleen Horton, along with

her partner, Jeff of Southport, NC; a brother Harold Horton; two sisters, Ann Lee Lyons, and

Aletha Gregory; four grandchildren, Corine, Michael, Jacob, and Reynolds; and several nieces

and nephews; and extended family. Mr. Horton was preceded in death by his wife Joan Ellen

Horton and a brother Pete Horton.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, November 2nd at Peacock-Newnam & White

Funeral Home in Southport, NC, from 3:00 to 4:00 pm. A celebration of life ceremony will follow

at 4:00 pm at the funeral home’s chapel along with a reception following the service.

James, known as Jim to most, JR to those he worked with, grew up in Henderson, NY alongside

the shores of Lake Ontario where he spent many years of his adolescence working for

boatmakers and fishermen. Graduating in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science from The

Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science. While attending school in Philadelphia he met

the love of his life and future bride to be Joan O’Donnell. He served in the military from October

1961 to October 1963. Worked for several years for Fay’s Drugstore in NY state before moving

to Fayetteville, NC in 1979 to accept a position with VA Hospital. It was here that Jim was given

the name “JR”. He not only found a job he loved, but also gained an extended family of friends

that remained long after his retirement in 1999. Upon retirement, Jim and Joan relocated to

Southport. They sold their beloved beach cottage on Long Beach and began their life in the

community of Arbor Creek. Throughout their 19 years in Arbor Creek they forged many

friendships. Jim had many hobbies and passions. He enjoyed playing golf for many years which

then transitioned into family mini-golf tournaments in his later years. He enjoyed traveling,

history, gardening, bird-watching, perseid meteor showers, a beautiful sunset, an ocean view,

good ole’ country music, and lighthouses. But what he loved most was family. He adored his

wife and cherished their 54 years together. He loved his kids and was so proud of the

accomplished adults they’ve become. His grandchildren he held on a pedestal and loved

nothing more than spending time with them. The bond that he had with his brother and sisters

he held close to his heart. For those who were fortunate to meet him knew what a kind soul he

truly was. His smile, his humor, and his love will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

at www.stjude.org or to the SECU Hospice House of Brunswick, 955 Mercy Lane, Bolivia, NC

28422.

Online condolences may be made at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com.

Peacock - Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service, Southport, North Carolina.