James Horner

James Eugene Horner, age 87, of Tippecanoe, died in the comfort of his own home on Tuesday, December 2, 2025.

Born August 12, 1938, at Massillon, Ohio, Jim was a son of Lee and Eleanor Marie (Riesterer) Horner.

Jim often recounted stories of his boyhood on the family farm, and farming was always an integral part of his life. He continued to work on the farm when he began his career driving over-the-road trucks for Wilson Freight out of Massillon. When he and his wife purchased a farm outside Deersville, Ohio, Jim was both a farmer and a heavy equipment mechanic with Ohio Machinery. After retiring, he was employed by various mining companies and worked part time for D & J Sales & Service.

When he was not working, Jim had several hobbies and interests. He and his wife managed Apple Patch Farms, where they raised exotic animals. Their four granddaughters have many fond memories of weekends attending petting zoos and exotic animal shows with their grandparents--where grandpa could never say no to bringing home a new kitten or baby chicks. Jim also enjoyed restoring old tractors, which he often drove in parades, and he always looked forward to displaying items at the annual Stumptown Steam Threshers festival. Likewise, he was an avid volunteer every year at the Holmes County Steam & Engine Show. Jim also frequented the Mt. Hope Auction, where his granddaughters thought he must have been a celebrity because everyone there knew him by his first name.

At home, Jim valued the simple life. Some of his granddaughters' favorite memories are of grandpa pushing them in the tire swing, and Jim could never resist sneaking the dogs an extra treat. He always helped his wife preserve vegetables and fruits by cleaning and peeling them. Jim was often helpful like that. One time, he responded to assist in removing a bat from his son's house—even though he had a petrifying fear of bats. One of Jim's greatest joys at home was feeding the wildlife. He would sit for hours on his deck watching the deer and birds. However, he was not as pleased the time a transient bear snuck onto his porch and ate the bushels of peaches he planned to process the following day. Jim just grinned and chuckled every time he told that story; he was so proud of it. Anyone who knew Jim will recall his ornery grin; he left such an impression on everyone he met.

He is survived by his daughter, Kimberly (Jeffrey) Ferrell of Freeport; son, Timothy (Jayne) Horner of Tippecanoe; grandchildren, Elizabeth (Bobby) Brooks, Sally (Matt Taylor) Johnson, Courtney (Billy) Hyde, and Emily (Danny) Hipp; great-grandchildren, Madelynn Johnson, Averee Hyde, Brynlee Hyde, Tyler Hipp, and Allison Hipp; siblings, Nita Marie Huelf, Alice Chapan, Robert Horner, and Helen Genco; and exchange student from Peru, Marilu Escudero, who was like a daughter to Jim and his wife. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Corinne (Glick) Horner, whom he married on January 19, 1957. Now may they rest together.