Jim Horton

Jim was born on August 4, 1953, in Grand Junction, to Glenda Ryan and Jim Garner. In 1954 Jim was adopted by the man he would call dad, Lowell Horton. Jim was the oldest of Glenda and Lowell’s six children. He and his siblings Bev, Billy, Art, Leana, and Nancy were raised in Gateway and Grand Junction Colorado. He grew up hunting and fishing and loved the outdoors. Following high school, Jim enlisted in the US Navy, in 1971. He completed two tours in Vietnam and served in the US Navy until his honorable discharge in 1977. Following his discharge from the Navy, Jim completed an associate degree from Maui Community College. For several years he worked in security in Hawaii, California, and Colorado. He retired after 20 years, as Office Manager of Sunshine Taxi in Grand Junction.

While stationed in The Philippines, he met and married his wife of 50 years, Annie. They briefly lived in The Philippines, Maui, Hawaii, and San Diego, California, before settling down in Jim’s hometown of Grand Junction. There they raised their four children, Liberty, Gordon, Jimmy, and Sharon. During their 50 years of marriage, they would welcome 8 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

Jim never met a stranger; everyone was just a friend he hadn’t met yet. It didn’t matter if he knew you his entire life or just for five minutes, you always felt welcomed, and special in his presence. He was always the type of guy to give you the shirt off his back. He was always willing to help his family and friends as much as he could and was happy to help. He enjoyed James Bond movies, old John Wayne movies, and classic country music. More than anything, Jim loved spending time with his family. Whether it was just a quick chat, or a large family gathering, he loved having time together. He liked being a dad, but he LOVED being a grandfather. His grandkids and great grandkids were the joy of his life, his favorite title in life was Papa.

Jim is survived by his beautiful bride of 50 years, Annie, his children, Liberty (Mark), Gordon, Jimmy, and Sharon; his 8 grandchildren, Noah, Nicolas, Nolan, Brandon, Roman, Taylor, Emilly, and Gracie; his 4 great grandchildren; his Aunts Joan (Roger) and Joy; his siblings Bev, Billy, Art, Leana (Dean), and Nancy, his many nieces and nephews, even more cousins, and many, many friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents Glenda and Lowell, grandparents Lila, Gordon, and Myrtle, his uncles Gerald, Gary, and Michael, and aunts Sharon and Ila.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Martin’s Mortuary on August 18,2023 at 11:30am, followed by Military Honors at 1:00pm at the Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MartinMortuary.com for the Horton family.