James Horton, affectionately called “Papa James” by some, “Little Jimmy” by those from back in the days, and respectfully referred to as “Mr. Horton” by others; was a visionary, a motivator, and a neighborhood advocate with a passion for encouraging and inspiring men, women, children, and youth through the knowledge and experience he gained over the 58 years of working in the community as a counselor, mentor, organizer, and an administrator, also sharing his wisdom and expertise of African American history and culture, as he educated and inspired those near and far. It would be remiss not to mention the positive impact he made in the lives of the Fastbreakers, the Junior Dribblers, the Cheerleaders, the Trendsetters, and the other community sports teams that called him “Coach.”
He worked as a social worker for the University of Alabama, a social service counselor for Tuscaloosa Housing Authority, the executive director of McDonald Hughes Center, a morning Talk Show Host at WTSK Radio-Around Town, a custodial supervisor for Morehouse School of Medicine as well as the executive director and founder of Sights and Sounds Black Cultural Museum. Furthermore, he has received numerous honors, recognitions, and awards for his commitment and dedication to various community services.
James Horton was predeceased by his parents, James Horton, Sr, and Offa Mae Brown; his first wife, Brenda Horton; and his siblings, Canary Horton, Darryl Parker, and Ray Parker. He is survived by his sons, Xavier Horton, Zerriga Horton, and Zache Horton, as well as his siblings Ronald Parker, Jackie Horton, Lillie Horton, and Henry Parker, Jr., along with a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, uncles, aunts, friends, and other family members too numerous to count. James Horton will be dearly missed. He will always be remembered. He will always be loved.
If you wish to share your photos, memories, condolences and In lieu of flowers, to kindly make a monetary contribution to show your support, please click: Memories of James C. Horton, Jr. | Ever Loved
Memory Chapel Funeral Home, a Dignity Memorial provider, is honored to serve the Horton family during their time of bereavement. Condolence and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.memorychapelfuneralhome.com
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