Merrice James "Jim" Horton, passed away peacefully Thursday, March 3, 2011 at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis at age 79. By his side, was his loving and devoted wife of 53 years: Patricia Ann and his daughters: Melanie & Stefanie.

Jim was born December 10, 1931 in Mooresville to the late Merrice and Mary (Greeson) Horton. He married Patricia Ann (Steele) Horton on June 23, 1957 in Morgantown. Jim was a 1950 graduate of Howe High School and went on to serve as a Private First Class with the United States Army during the Korean War. After his devoted service to his country, Jim went on to graduate from Butler University in 1959 and earned his Master's degree in Education from Indiana University in Bloomington in 1962.

Jim's career as an educator began as the Principal for Green Township Elementary from 1959 to 1967, he then came to Morgantown Elementary as Principal from 1967 to 1986. After the consolidation of Nineveh Hensley Jackson School Corp. Jim became the Corporations Curriculum Director from 1986 to 1989 and then retired as the Assistant Principal for the Indian Creek Middle School in 1994.

He was known for his quick wit, humor and story telling. He devoted his life to education and the caring of his students and teachers. Jim was a member of the First Christian Church of Morgantown, Morgantown Masonic Lodge #358, American Legion #0230 and the Phi Delta Kappa Education Fraternity. He served as a Board of Director for the Morgan County Crippled Children's Society and was the Easter Seals Campaign Chairman from 1959 to 1965, Johnson County Elementary Principals Association where he was the past president and served for 25 years. Other boards that Jim served on include the Indiana State Retired Teachers Assoc., Morgan Co. Public Library, Morgan County 4-H Fair, past president of the Morgantown Lions Club and the National Netherland Dwarf Rabbit Club.

Jim enjoyed raising Netherland Dwarf rabbits and showing them with his children at the Nationals and Indiana State Fair. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and coaching basketball, softball and track in his younger years.

Jim was the loving father to Melanie Horton of Denver, CO and Stefanie (husband, Travis) Rutledge of Nashville, TN. He enjoyed spending time with his grandson: Justin Wilson of Farmland, IN.

The Rev. Burt Brock will conduct a funeral service 2 pm Saturday at Meredith - Clark Funeral Home Cremation & Personalization Center, 179 E. Mulberry Street in Morgantown. Friends may call from 11 am till service time at the funeral home. He will be laid to rest in East Hill Cemetery in Morgantown where the Martinsville American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars will conduct Military Graveside Rites.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions in honor of Jim to the American Heart Association, 3816 Paysphere Circle Chicago, IL 60674.