James B. "J.B." Horn, age 90, of Madison, passed away on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Brown County Health and Living in Nashville, Indiana.

Born on October 22, 1935, in Irvine, Kentucky, he was the son of Beverly and Amanda (Sparks) Horn. On June 12, 1960, he married the love of his life, Loretta M. (Poynter) Horn, in Dabney, Indiana and they enjoyed over 65 wonderful years together.

James graduated from Osgood High School and immediately enlisted in the United States Air Force. He faithfully served his country for 20 years as a Pararescue Medic, including tours during the Vietnam and Korean Wars. As a member of the elite Maroon Berets, he distinguished himself through bravery and dedication. During his military career, he was awarded the Bronze Star and was also a recipient of the Vietnamese Medal of Honor for his service.

Following his retirement from the military, James worked as a medic for Cummins before later transitioning into construction work. He valued hard work and took great pride in staying active and productive throughout his life, especially cherishing his years of military service.

In his free time, James enjoyed working around the house, carpentry, gardening, fishing, reading, sharing stories, and writing poetry. He will be remembered for his selfless spirit, compassion, and willingness to help others.

His life will be cherished by his devoted wife, Loretta Horn of Madison; his children, James D. Horn and his wife Deborah of Trafalgar, Tammie L. Rodgers and her husband Jim of Madison, and Teresa Dickerson and her husband Jeff of Leavenworth, Kansas; and his grandchildren, James D. Horn II (Amy), Laura Pickel (Sean), Jeffery Dickerson (Meghan), Tara Earl (Nick), and James E. Cameron Rodgers. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Nathaniel, Landyn, Clayton, Sylvia, Maleah, Evelyn, Caroline, Everly, Emily, and Eloise; his brothers, Ronald Horn (Mary) of Versailles and Kenneth Horn of Hanover; as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his infant son, Jeffrey Dean Horn; his daughter, Cheri (Waltz) Ritchie; four sisters, Clara Williams, Wanda Dinsmore, Alma Landry, and Anna Perkinson; and four brothers, Robert Horn, Wayne Horn, Keith Horn, and infant brother Kevin Horn.

Pastor Dan Horn will conduct funeral services at 1:00 PM Friday, April 24, 2026 at Lytle Welty Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Vail Chapel, 117 Holt Drive, Madison with interment to follow in Indiana Veteran Memorial Cemetery in Madison. Friends and family may visit at the Lytle Welty Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Vail Chapel from 11:00 AM until the time of the service on Friday.

In lieu of flowers the family request memorial contributions to be given in Memory of James to the Veterans Family Bigrade. Contributions can be made at Lytle Welty Funeral Home or below.