Jimmie McRae Horton's Obituary
Jimmie McRae Horton
November 10, 1939 - March 24, 2026
A man of quiet strength, sharp intellect, passion for the outdoors, and the deepest of love for his family and friends, Jimmie McRae Horton, of Allen, Texas, was born November 10, 1939. He passed away peacefully on March 24, 2026 at the age of 86.
He is preceded in death by his loving and devoted parents Sam Ewell Horton and Dorothy McRae Horton.
A few years after being born in Bonham, Texas, Jimmie’s family moved to Garland in the early 1940s. There, they joined First Christian Church of Garland which remained Jimmie’s church home for over 60 years even after marrying his beautiful wife, Joyce K. Johnson. Around 2010 they transferred their membership to Suncreek Methodist Church in Allen, Texas where they have lived for the past 32 years.
Their love story began in 1958 at Garland High School when a mutual friend, John Harrison, encouraged Jimmie to call Joyce Johnson to go to a high school dance so they could double date. Joyce secretly knew through a high school girl friend that the call was coming and was ready with a "yes”. Little did they both know it was the beginning of a love story that would become the cornerstone of Jimmie’s future and his forever date. They married on August 24, 1962. They both attended the University of Texas at Austin, where Jimmie earned his Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering in 1963 and Joyce completed her Bachelor's Degree of Science.
Jimmie’s professional career was defined by 34 years of excellence at Texas Instruments. Known for his integrity and endless hours of dedication to his passion and craft of engineering, he earned many awards and recognition for his accomplishments. He ended his career as Vice President of the FGM-148 Javelin project. However, even with all his dedication to his engineering projects and success, he was equally a true Texan with a deep passion for the outdoors.
For many years, Jimmie managed cattle alongside their dear friends, Sandy and Sandra Daniel, in Henrietta, Texas. He took his family along for the ride—rounding up cattle, riding horses, watching out for rattlesnakes in the grass and tack room and scorpions in the house, shooting guns, teaching his kids to drive a stick shift along the red dirt roads, and casting a line in hopes of snagging a fish or two. These adventures often came with "lessons" that have molded his family into the people they are today.
In 1980, Jimmie’s passion for the outdoors and raising beef master cattle with their friends in Henrietta led him and his wife to purchase their own family farm in Gober, Texas which took him back to his parent’s roots near Bonham, Texas. It was here that he truly passed down his values to his children and grandchildren. Whether raising cattle, casting a line, riding around on a side by side, sitting by a campfire, or riding with his grandkids on the big orange tractor, he valued every moment with family to laugh, smile, and create memories.
Jimmie taught his family the importance of spending time together on road trips, ranching, deer hunting, sitting around campfires listening to Willie Nelson and Kenny Rogers, ski trips, birthday celebrations, holiday family gatherings, church events, teaching financial responsibility, having a tireless work ethic, and most of all a steadfast faith in Jesus.
Jimmie is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Joyce Horton; his son, Craig Horton and daughter-in-law Michele Horton; his daughter, Karen Bradley and son-in-law Jason Bradley. He also leaves behind his grandchildren—Austin Horton, Collin Horton, Luke Bradley, and Kristen Bradley—who will forever cherish the memories and lessons of their "Grandad."
Celebration of Life
A Formal Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on April 12, 2026, 2:30pm at:
First Christian Church Downtown Garland
Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance, honoring Jimmie’s life, his spirit, and the many ways he made the world a kinder place.
What’s your fondest memory of Jimmie?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jimmie?
Share a story where Jimmie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jimmie you’ll never forget.
How did Jimmie make you smile?