James D. Horton

James D. Horton, 89, Elmore Lane., Watertown, passed away April 2, 2025 at Samaritan Medical Center, with his family by his side.

Mr. Horton was born June 20, 1935, in Hannibal, NY, a son of Harold Horton and Freda Horton Dignean. During his childhood he moved to Massena where he graduated from Massena High School in 1953. On January 5, 1957, he married Lillian “Georgette” LaFrance at St. Mary’s Church in Massena, NY. Mrs. Horton died November 6, 2006. Mr. Horton served with the United States Army from 1954 until he was honorably discharged in 1956.

In May of 1956, he began his career with New York Telephone Company as a Lineman, soon becoming a Salesman, then Manager. He retired in August of 1990, as Area Operations Manager for the Syracuse-Watertown Installation and Repair Operations. In his career, he was responsible for service restorations including the Micro-Burst, several blizzards and ice storms. He steered the Watertown district to a top efficiency rating in 1992 and the 1994 plan to reduce the company’s work force.

Mr. Horton has served as a member, board member of the Watertown Rotary Club and recipient of Rotary’s Paul Harris Fellow Award, a past director and coach of the High School Club Hockey, a former director of the; Area Development Corp, Tri- County Boy Scouts, Community Center for Alcoholism and the American Red Cross. He was also a former member of the Black River Valley Club and the Greater Watertown Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Horton loved fine cars owning over one hundred of them in his life time. He enjoyed his camp at Brantingham Lake, golfing, fishing and boating. His grandchildren were dear to him, attending all of their sporting events and graduation ceremonies.

Surviving are a son and his wife; Donald and Janet Horton, Dexter, a daughter; Cynthia DiLandro, Cincinnati, OH, a son-in-law; Thomas Moran, Evans Mills, seven grandchildren, Christine, Stefanie and Gregory, Danielle, Erika, Kyle and Sarah and nine great grandchildren. A daughter Linda Moran, a brother Gerald Horton, a sister Madelyn Pruski, a grandson Robbie Horton and a son-in-law Steven DiLandro, all died before him.

Calling hours will be Sunday, April 6, 2025 from 2 to 5pm at the D.L. Calarco Funeral Home, Inc. A prayer service will be held Monday, April 7, 2025 at the funeral home at 9:15 am with a 10am funeral mass at St. Patrick’s Church. Burial with military honors will follow in Glenwood Cemetery. Contributions may be made to St. Patrick’s Church, 123 S. Massey Street, Watertown or to Hospice of Jefferson County, 1398 Gotham Street, Watertown, NY 13601.

Condolences may be made to www.dlcalarco.com

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