James F. Horton

Horton, James Francis, 77, of Brandon, went to be with the Lord on July 25, 2013, surrounded by his loving family. He was a United States Navy veteran. He is survived by his son, James T. Horton (Alice); daughters, Andrea M. Johnston (George), Elizabeth A. Reed (Richard); his sister, Marion Wikoff; and five grandchildren. The funeral mass was conducted on Wednesday, July 31st, at Nativity Catholic Church. Interment was held in the Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL.

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Thank you all for visiting this site to pay tribute, remember, and celebrate the life of James Francis Horton – beloved Father, son, brother, uncle, husband, grandfather, shipmate, poker buddy, workout buddy, friend, and mentor.

Decency, reliability, dedication, honor, dignity, and respect: these are all qualities that my father not only held in high esteem, but practiced every day during his time on this earth. He was a serious and disciplined man, but he never missed the opportunity to have a laugh with friends and loved ones.

Dad was born in Buffalo, New York on July 18th 1937 to Ida Schilk and Bernard Francis Horton. He was the second youngest of five children – he had three sisters – Grace, Marion and Carol Elizabeth and one brother – Robert Francis.

When he was three, his family moved to Cleveland, OH where he spent his childhood and school age years. He was an active child who loved to play baseball and football. He was raised a devout Catholic and received a formal Catholic education from 2nd grade through college.

Dad shared stories of his youth that reflected the qualities of the man he was to become. For example, he shared that as a young boy, he had a vivid memory of going down to the train station and watching a train full of POW’s returning home from World War II. His reflection of that day was that it was very somber and he felt sorry for the veterans ... he already had an understanding and respect for duty and honor.

A more light-hearted memory he shared from his childhood that probably helped to shape the virtues and qualities of the man he was to become is the time he and his best friend, Bart McIntyre, skipped the Stations of the Cross on a sunny and windy spring day to go fly kites. When caught, their punishment was to clean the windows at the nun’s convent until into the evening. I’m sure he learned a lot about the importance of respect on that day.

Dad shared that his mother, Ida – who was of German decent, was an excellent cook and prepared pastries and casseroles and Home Made Bread from scratch. He fondly remembered her banana bread and stated – She baked a pie – Every day – apple, cherry and Rhubarb to name a few … My Father also loved to cook and enjoyed garlic and spices.

Dad was a Korean War veteran, having served for four years in the United States Navy. He was very proud of his service and credited that experience for shaping even further, the qualities from which he lived his life.

After serving in the US Navy, my Dad and Mother, Corrine met and fell in love. They were married at St Rose Catholic Church in 1965. My Dad always credited my Mom for being the inspiration (or maybe it was driving force) that resulted in him finally finishing college and earning his bachelors degree in business from John Carroll University in 1967.

From there, my Dad worked a series of jobs that ultimately led him and Corrine from Cleveland to Atlanta and finally to Brandon, Florida in 1970. During that time frame, the three of us children were born, my parents bought a small Quick Print Shops and Instant Ink Printing was formed. We were the typical 1970’s American family. Living in Florida, we loved swimming, fishing, and boating together as a family. Sunday’s were spent attending mass here at Nativity, and then across the street to the Townhouse for breakfast afterwards.

Some of our wonderful childhood memories include:

Eating hamburgers – fresh out of the frying pan or off of the grill with peanut butter only on them. I know…so strange…but really good too!

Playing endless games of Chess and Trivia Pursuit - During the games of Trivia Pursuit -Dad could pull out the most abstract knowledge – We all secretly thought he studied the cards of questions and answers. I can remember asking Dad his question, he may get up and walk around, look upward and down, thoughtfully searching for the answers. Sometimes we had to count down the time so we could move forward in the game. I can remember, if he answered a hard one right – He got such joy, we laughed. Honestly, this is one of my fondest memories because I can still see his expression of pure joy and satisfaction.

Dad loved sport cars - He owned three Datsun 240z' and three Porsche's.

Attending sporting events – Dad was an unwavering Cleveland Browns and Tampa Bay Buccaneer fan as well as Tampa Bay Lightning and Rays fan. I can remember going to Bucs games, sitting next to my Father, brother, sister, cousins, and friends. A funny memory was during one Bucs game my father yelled “Down In Front” loudly, and it startled me. I looked at him…puzzled. I later learned what it meant and I was so embarrassed, but this particular memory makes me smile now because I realize that a sporting event can make even the most civil, dignified person become a hooligan.

I personally remember looking up to my Father - he was so handsome, always dressed so classy, smelled so good. He always reminded me of Burt Reynolds or Chevy Chase.

Some honorable mentions for things Dad loved – Eating Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, Watching Jeopardy, Researching and tracking his genealogy, the Opera and Classical Music.

Dad was a wonderful man, stern but kind and loving, affectionate. We said I Love You often.

The last couple of years were very difficult for Dad, but in true James Horton fashion, he did his darnedest to ensure that both he and his children were fully prepared for this journey he had to take alone. His qualities never wavered in time of illness, and through God’s grace, he rediscovered and embraced his faith. He became even kinder and gentler and truly cherished the moments he had with us children and our families.

Right now, it is difficult to imagine Dad not being around and I’m not sure how we will all cope. His grandchildren, Kelsey, Tyler, Lauren, Emma, and Kate will miss him dearly. It’s strange to think that I can’t just give him a call or pop in for a visit. But although we are left here to mourn, I know that my Father is looking down on us all and rejoicing in Heaven, surrounded by the angels and his loved one’s who went before him.

One of the verses of the song Amazing Grace has the lyrics “Tis Grace has brought me safe thus far, and Grace will lead me home.” While I know that the “Grace” referenced in the song is referring to “God’s Ever-loving Grace”, the lyrics put a smile on my face for another reason, because I think of Dad’s long-departed sister, who ironically, was named Grace. He had a special bond with her and I know she was one of the first there to greet Dad when it was time for him to come home to his Heavenly Father.

My Dad is there with all of them now - a tall, dark, and handsome character whose probably asking the angels for all the details and mysteries of science, history, and the arts… still seeking knowledge.

As we remember and commemorate James Francis Horton’s life, let’s bid him farewell but rejoice in the life of a kind, dignified soul. On behalf of my siblings and I, we will never forget him and will strive to fulfill his legacy by being ever-mindful to always exhibit his best qualities: Decency, reliability, dedication, honor, dignity, and respect.