James Horning

James Patrick Horning, 84, of Norwalk, passed away at home on March 5, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Born on March 17, 1941, in Norwalk to the late Inez Mae (Stout) and George Albert Horning, James married Grace Ann on October 23, 1965, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was a devoted father to his children, Katherine Inez Tusing of Huron, Patrick William (Dawn) Horning of Norwalk, Daniel Scott Horning of Norwalk, Thomas James (Kathy) Horning of Knoxville, Tennessee, Anthony Wayne (Callie) Horning of Knoxville, Tennessee, and Bryan Christopher Horning, who preceded him in death. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and his siblings Terry G. (Michele) Horning of Bayview, Betty M. Horning of Norwalk, and Linda K. (Vic) Smith of Parker, Colorado. His brother William G. Horning preceded him in death.

James served in the U.S. Army from October 24, 1963, to October 22, 1965, at Fort Bliss, Texas, where he met Grace. The couple married just 19 days after meeting and returned to Norwalk to raise their family. They would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in October 2025; Grace passed away on July 1, 2025. James worked at Suhr’s Small Engine Repair in Norwalk before beginning a 40-year career as a truck driver, first with Wenham and later retiring from Bestway Systems, Inc. He earned the Million Mile Award for driving over one million miles without an accident.

In his free time, James cherished moments with his family, tinkered in his garage, and followed NASCAR. He looked forward to Friday perch dinners at the Monroeville American Legion or the Norwalk Fraternal Order of Eagles, where he was a member. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.