James Allen Horton

James Allen Horton was born on September 20, 1932 on a farm one mile east of Lucerne in Sheridan County, Kansas. He was the youngest of six children born to George M. Horton and Blanche (Wilcox) Horton. Jim passed away on November 20, 2014 at his rural home near Nacogdoches, Texas.

He attended grade school in Lucerne. He graduated from Lenora High School in 1951.

In February of 1953, Jim joined the Army at Fort Riley, Kansas. In October of that same year, he transferred to the Airborne Division. He was discharged from the military on February 12, 1955.

His civilian life began with work in the oil fields of Kansas, around Moab, Utah, and off-shore drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. During this time, he met and married Laura Allie Harrell.

Together, with Laura's son Darrell they made their home in Nacogdoches, Texas. Later on their family grew to include Van Paul and Megan Michelle Horton.

Jim and Laura owned and operated a small grocery store in Central Heights for several years. Jim owned a logging business for a number of years before working for the Nacogdoches County Road and Bridge crew until his retirement.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Laura; daughter, Megan; sister, Ann; brothers, William, Loren, and Ben; his sisters-in-law, Delphia and Rose; and brothers-in-law, "Buzz" Dempewolf, Truman, Jake, Mack, Bruce, and Andy Harrell.

His surviving family includes his sister, Donna Horton Dempewolf; sons, Darrell and Van Paul; grandchildren, Curtis, Nicole, Dayna, and Candace; honorary grandson, Daniel; great-grandchildren, Caden, Kyra, Chase, Isabella, and Isaak; as well as many nieces and nephews on the Horton and Harrell sides of the family.

Whether you knew him as Jim, Pa, or Papa Jim, he touched all of us with his love, humor, and generosity. In lieu of flowers or arrangements, we ask that you remember how he touched your lives and pay it forward when the opportunity arises and remember him with a smile.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 6, 2014, at Cason Monk-Metcalf's Sunset Chapel, located at 5400 North Street in Nacogdoches. Bro. Sonny Scarborough will be officiating.

Arrangements are under the direction of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors, located at 5400 North Street in Nacogdoches, Texas. Online memories and condolences may be offered at www.CasonMonk-Metcalf.com.