<!-- FH = Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel --><!-- DisplayFullObituaryText -->James Robert HortonJames Robert Horton was born February 24, 1940 and died November 21, 2014 following a short illness. He was a fourth generation Springfieldian related to the first settlers of the area. His parents, Dr. James D. and Avonell Poppenhouse Horton preceded him in death. In 1968, he married Linda Louise Palenik. He attended Greenwood Laboratory School from kindergarten through high school and Drury College where he was a member of Sigma Nu. As a member of First and Calvary Presbyterian Church, he took special joy in working at Crosslines of Springfield through his church affiliation.He had a lifelong passion for boating, canoeing, fishing and working outdoors. As a teen, he was the first barefoot water skier on Lake Taneycomo and was a skilled skipper of inboards, outboards and hydroplanes. James loved traveling on cross country trips with his wife, Linda, and close friends to enjoy the nature and beauty of the USA. In retirement he enjoyed hobbies of flying radio controlled airplanes and raising chickens. The family's tradition of the Old Settler's Picnic on July 4 was continued at his home with younger generations being shown how to celebrate this revered holiday. As an intuitive mechanic he could fix anything using his natural skills. Belief in self reliance and rugged individualism were his strong suit. He will be remembered for his generosity and kindness in sharing his time and talents to help anyone who came to him with a problem.James is survived by his wife, Linda; his son, Jim Horton and his wife Jenni; his daughter, Jennifer Silliman; his sister, Mary Horton Sidwell and her husband Larry all of Springfield. He is also survived by grandchildren, Lauren, Derek, and Sydney Horton, and Haley and Drew Silliman. Other survivors include his nephew, Chris Sidwell of Atlanta, GA; his niece, Dana Sidwell O'Keefe of Durham, N.C.; great-nephews and niece, and cousins.A memorial service will be held at First and Calvary Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, November 25 at 11:00 a.m. Memorial donations made to Crosslines of Springfield would be appreciated in lieu of flowers. Online condolences may be shared at www.gormanscharpf.com