James Thomas Horn

James Thomas Horn, 69, of Elkhart, passed away Wednesday, February 4, 2026.

He was born in January of 1957 at Grant Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, to Alonzo Horn and Shirley Mae (Lowe) Horn.

James married the love of his life, Cecelia (Shiltz) Horn, on November 22, 1974, and together they shared many cherished years and were blessed with five children. Following Cecelia’s passing on August 19, 2020, James was fortunate to find love again when he met Carla (Sargent) Horn in August of 2021. She became his saving grace, and through their marriage on July 2, 2022, James happily welcomed three more children into his heart and family.

James is survived by his loving wife, Carla Horn; his children, Jenifer (Greg) Murray and family, Christina Horn and family, Monica (Marc) Lambert and family, and Jeffery (Kutrena) Horn and family; his stepchildren, T.J. (Jackye) Roberts and family, Derek (Jessica) Roberts and family, and Kendra (Keith) Wardlaw and family; his brother, Alonzo (Luanne) Horn; and his sister, Laurie Cardillo, along with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family members, and countless others he lovingly considered family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Cecelia; his son, James Franklin Horn; and his sister, Shirley O’Connor.

James had a strong work ethic and proudly provided for his family throughout his life. He worked for Southern Ohio Coal Company from 1975 to 1979, served his country honorably in the United States Army from July 1980 to September 1992, and later dedicated many years to Comcast from June 6, 1995, until his retirement on January 25, 2019. He was especially proud of being an Army veteran and of the family he built and loved so fiercely.

A devoted sports fan, James faithfully cheered for the Ohio State Buckeyes, the Cleveland Indians, and the Cleveland Browns. He had a gift for humor, loved telling jokes, and could make anyone laugh. His personality was unforgettable — the kind of man you met once and remembered forever. He was always the first to show up when someone needed help. His heart was big enough to gather extra children, grandchildren, and friends along the way, and his family continually grew throughout his life. To know James was to love him.

James was a man of faith who was saved and gave his life to Jesus Christ, finding peace and strength in his beliefs.

Visitation will be held Friday, February 13, 2026, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home. An additional one-hour visitation will take place Saturday, February 14, 2026, from 10 to 11 a.m., with the funeral service beginning at 11 a.m., also at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Oakridge Cemetery in Goshen.

Memorial donations in James’s memory may be directed to Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Following the burial there will be a small meal at Beulah Missionary Church. All are welcome to attend and share your memories with the family.