James Warren "J.W." Horton lived a life defined by service, unquestionable morals, kindness, and devotion to the people and communities he loved. He shared 69 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Judy, and together they raised their daughters Denise, Ginny, and Jan, later welcoming granddaughters Jessie, Brittany, and Mary, and his precious great grandson Parker.

A native Memphian, he graduated from Bartlett High School, Shelby State Community College, and the University of Memphis where he was the founding President of the Baptist Student Union and member of Pi Kappa Alpha.

J.W. served his country proudly as a Military Police officer in the U.S. Army which led to his love of law enforcement.

J.W.'s law enforcement career began in 1958 and spanned an extraordinary 55 years. He started with the Memphis Police Department where one special assignment was to stand guard over Martin Luther King's room on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel prior to him being shot. He served as Captain with the Shelby County Sheriff's Office (where he was also on the Pistol team that garnered many trophies) and Captain for the Bartlett Police Department, Chief of Police for Galloway, Tn and Chief of Police for Memphis International Airport. For 15 of those years he also served as Sheriff's Liaison and Sergeant at arms for the city of Lakeland Mayor and Board of Commissioners where he was honored with his own day and a key to the city.  His dedication to public safety extended beyond policing - he was a firearms instructor certified through multiple state and law enforcement agencies and taught at Southwest Community College and the University of Memphis.

His professional and personal life was as varied as it was accomplished. He founded Delta Valet Services in 1972 and has provided services for many dignitaries including President Bush. For 30 years he served as Assistant to the General Chairman of Memphi for the Memphis Cotton Carnival. His commitment to service also extended to many charitable and civic organizations: he was Past President and Life Member of the Memphis Exchange Club, on the Board of Directors for the Mid South Eye Bank, member of the Lions Club and a long time docent at Brooks Museum of Art. His love of learning never faded and he returned to complete a degree at age 50 and continued to study everything from sign language to aviation, earning his Pilots license. His thirst for knowledge and his boundless curiosity in history, art, music, and the world around him gained him the nicknames "Mr. Know it all" and "The walking encyclopedia".  He had an appreciation of music from the Grand Ole Opry to the Metropolitan Opera and could play most instruments by ear. Among his many hobbies, he enjoyed sculpting wire trees that were given to dear friends and donated to charities to raise money.

As a proud member of the Masonic lodge, he was a past master at Unity 95 and Arlington 641, a 33rd Degree Scottish Rite which is an honorary title only bestowed on those who have shown outstanding service and dedication (mostly through charitable works), Knight of York Cross of Honor, Royal order of Scotland and many other honors. He also enjoyed serving with the Al Chymia Shrine at the circus and on the transportation committee as a driver taking children to Shriners Hospital.

J.W. loved the Lord and had a deep faith having been called to get his license to preach at the early age of 16. He later served as an ordained deacon at Berclair, Raleigh and Lakeland Baptist churches. He lived a life of love and exemplary character that was a testament and example to all that knew him.

J. W. was preceded in death by his daughter Janice Jones (Johnny) and his parents Bill and Florence Horton.

He is survived by his wife Judy Johnson Horton, daughters Denise Glidewell (Larry) and Ginny Watson (Ricky), granddaughters Jessica Curtiss (Weston), Brittany Hendricks (Matt) and Mary Watson and his great grandson Parker Hendricks. He is also survived by his brother Clinton Horton (Ina).