James Edward Horton Jr

James Edward "Capt. Jim" Horton Jr, a lifelong Beaufortonian, passed away peacefully at home Wednesday May 31, 2023. James is the son of the late James "Eddie" Edward Horton Sr. and Ivy Freeman Horton, both of Beaufort. James was born December 21, 1938 and was raised on Lady’s Island. He enlisted into the United States Coast Guard in 1957 and served in multiple positions on both land and sea. In 1959 he married the love of his life, Elaine Crosby of Grand Isle, LA. They raised a family at numerous duty stations before finally settling in Beaufort and lived a loving life together for 63 years. James retired in Charleston with 20 years as a Chief Petty Officer, Boatswain Mate.

Capt. Jim was born to be at sea, the year of his retirement he began working for Otto Candies Marine Towing and Transportation Company in Des Allemands, LA. There he proved an invaluable member of not only the family business but was a most trusted and favored family friend. For over 30 years he plowed the water of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. He led a fleet of boats from Louisiana through the Panama Canal to Alaska, providing support and equipment to the Exxon Valdez disaster cleanup where he ultimately served as the Company's Port Captain. He also conducted towing operations for civil infrastructure projects up and down the Atlantic seaboard. Still not having enough saltwater in his veins James went to work running the supply barge to and from Daufuskie Island.

James loved being on the water. But nothing brought him greater joy than being with his family. They will greatly miss his playful sense of humor and always being all in for a good laugh even when it was at his own expense. While he undoubtedly loved and cherished his children, his grandchildren brought him great delight and that feeling went both ways. From driving lessons, fishing and boating time, bird and deer hunting, and woodcutting they all will have beautiful lifetime memories of their "Gramps"

James is survived by his loving wife, Elaine; three children James E. Horton III, Melissa A. Horton and Joshua E. Horton Sr. (Brandy).; three Grandchildren, Naomi M Spaulding (Jon), Cpl. Joshua E Horton Jr, USMC and Brandyn R Horton and a niece and a nephew The immediate family still resides in Beaufort. In addition to many, many friends; a sister, Jenny L Talley (Homer) of Beaufort, preceded James in death.

The family will receive friends 5:30 until 7:30 p.m., Monday, June 5, 2023 at Copeland Funeral Service.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 , Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at St Peter's Catholic Church, 75 Lady’s Island Drive. Burial will follow at 12:00 at Beaufort National Cemetery
Following the burial, the family will receive friends in the Walsh Palmetto Room at St Peters Catholic Church, Lady’s Island.