James Hightower Horn made his peaceful transition to be with the Lord on Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021.

James was born August 31, 1924 and was one of nine children to Ernest J. Horn and Lillie Mae Hightower in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He attended Ottawa Hills HS and was actively involved in Football, Basketball and Baseball where he set records in each of the sporting events. In 1942, he enrolled in Wilberforce University where he was the starting quarterback for the football team.

After a year at Wilberforce, James was drafted to the US Army where he honorably served in WWII from 1942-1945. In 1945 James connected with semi-pro basketball and baseball leagues and eventually made it onto the roster for the Kansas City Monarchs. In 1948 he enrolled in the University of Michigan where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree and Master's in Social Work. His Social Work career expanded from being a Probation Officer in Washtenaw County to many Executive Director positions between Michigan, Rockford, Illinois, Utica and Poughkeepsie, New York until his retirement where he was the Director of Child and Youth Services for the State of Michigan.

On December 16, 1948, he was initiated into Sigma Chapter of Kappa Alpha PSI Fraternity, Inc. at the University of Michigan. As a lifetime member of Kappa Alpha PSI Fraternity, Inc. he was excited to become a co-founder of the Lansing Alumni Chapter and was the proud recipient of his 50+ year White Blazer along with recognition from the Northern Providence, Sigma Chapter and Lansing Alumni Chapter.

On September 8, 1948 James married his love, Gloria, and during their union of 62 years they had five children, James II (Carmen), Steven (Donna), Cheryl, Mark (Jacqueline), Patricia (Eric); nine grandchildren, Sonia (Lamar), Jenell, James (Lydia), Stevie (Danijela), Brent, Theodore, Elizabeth, Jenifer, Mark II; five great-grandchildren, Nya, Milena, Adam, James, Ava; and one great-great-grandchild, Kamoy.

He is proceeded in death by: his wife, Gloria; sons, James II and Steven; daughter-in-law, Jacqueline Horn; grandson, TJ; Parents; two brothers and four sisters.

Those left to cherish his memory are: children, Cheryl, Mark and Patty; grandchildren; great grandchildren; a great-great-grandchild; sisters, Dorothy and Barbara; brother, Ernie; and a host of nieces, nephews, additional family members and friends.

To watch the livestream of Mr. Horn's service please click this link:

https://my.gather.app/ remember/james-horn