08/19/2026
James Reginald Horton II
August 1, 1985 – August 8, 2026
James Reginald Horton II, 41, of Clinton, Tennessee, passed away on August 8, 2026.
James was born on August 1, 1985, in Knoxville, Tennessee, to Jim and Karen Horton. He grew up in Clinton, attended Clinton High School, and later attended the University of Tennessee.
James had the biggest heart of anyone you could ever meet. He was kind, compassionate, loving, loyal, and humble, and he was always willing to do something for someone else. He never needed recognition for the things he did; helping others was simply part of who he was. To know James was to love him.
James was an incredibly hard worker and spent his life working in the family manufactured home business. From a very young age, he had a passion for heavy equipment and an extraordinary natural ability to operate machinery. There seemed to be nothing James couldn’t do. His talent, knowledge, and work ethic were remarkable, and he took great pride in a job well done.
He loved deeply, gave generously, worked tirelessly, and remained humble through it all. He was the kind of person who would show up when someone needed help and never expect anything in return. His gentle spirit and compassion for others touched countless lives, and he was loved by so many.
James was a Christian who loved Jesus, and his family finds comfort in knowing that he is now at peace in the presence of his Savior. While his absence leaves an immeasurable hole in the hearts of those who loved him, they hold tightly to the promise that this goodbye is not forever.
James is survived by his parents, Jim and Karen Horton; his fiancée, Amy Montgomery; his sister, Julia Hubbard and her husband, Chris, of Atlanta, Georgia; his sister, Jana Horton; and his beloved nieces and nephew, Mason, Madeline, Morgan, and Josie.
He is also survived by his aunts and uncles, George and Fannie Horton and Judy and Darrell Holden, as well as several cousins and extended family members who loved him dearly.
James was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Bill and Evelyn Carden of Clinton, Tennessee; his paternal grandparents, Milo and Jean Horton of Rocky Top, Tennessee; and his uncle, David Horton.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, August 23, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Hatmaker Funeral Home, 503 S. Main Street, Rocky Top, Tennessee 37769.
A graveside service will follow at 5pm at Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery, 610 Bethel Road, Clinton, Tennessee 37716.
James was deeply loved, and he loved deeply in return. His family will miss his presence, his kindness, and the countless little things that made him James.
His life was far too short, but the love he gave during those 41 years will remain with his family and friends forever.
Well done, good and faithful servant. Rest peacefully, James.
