James Horning Obituary

James Patrick Horning

Mar 17, 1941 - Mar 5, 2026

Norwalk

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

James was born March 17, 1941, in Norwalk, to his late parents, mother, Inez Mae (Stout) and father, George Albert Horning. James married the late Grace Ann Horning, October 23, 1965, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was a proud father to six children, Katherine Inez Tusing of Huron, Patrick Willam (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); James also had 11 grandchildren, Bradely M. (Shannon) Hahn, Stephen P. Hahn, Keegan E. Tusing, Cailyn G. Tusing, Tiffany M. Horning, Traci A. Horning, Tyler P. Horning, Tori B. Horning, Willow D. (Micheal) McCarly, Hyacin F. Horning, and River A. Horning; James also had nine great-grandchildren, Elaina R. Hahn, Kenzie R. Hahn, Lydia M. Hahn, Braxton M. Lebron, Lane E. Hahn, Carter P. Mesenburg, Lylah A. Oates, Reese M. McCarly, and Ryland L. McCarly; James was also survived by four siblings, Terry G. (Michele) Horning of Bayview, Betty M. Horning of Norwalk, Linda K. (Vic) Smith of Parker, CO, and William G. Horning (who preceded him in death).

Before becoming a father, James served from October 24, 1963 to October 22, 1965 in the US Army stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas, where he met his wife, Grace Ann. They were married 19 days after they met in Albuquerque. Then, they moved back to Norwalk, where they raised their family. They would've celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary October 23, 2025. Grace passed away July 1, 2025. James worked during the day at Suhr's Small Engine Repair in Norwalk and drove trucks for Zeiter Trucking at night. Then, he started driving trucks full-time for 40 years, starting with Wenham and retiring from Bestway Systems, Inc. He was awarded the Million Mile Award for driving over one million miles without an accident.

In his downtime, James spent it with family. He also liked tinkering in his garage and was an avid NASCAR fan. James loved Lake Erie perch and would not miss a Friday perch dinner at the Monroeville American Legion. If they were not serving, he went to the Norwalk Fraternal Order of Eagles, where he was a member.

Visitation for family and friends will be from 4-7 p.m. Monday, March 9, 2026, at Evans Funeral Home, 314 E. Main Street, Norwalk. Funeral service will begin at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at the funeral home, where Chaplain Sheila Ritchie will officiate. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery.

Memorial contribu-tions may be sent to Southern Care Hospice, 9501 Milan Rd., Milan, OH 44846 or Huron County Humane Society, 246 Woodlawn Avenue, Norwalk, OH 44857. James will be deeply missed by his family and friends.