Horton, James Henry

James Henry Horton, known as "Jim" or "Harry", was born in Edmonton, Alberta on 4 August, 1909. He completed 10 years of schooling in Edmonton, and worked at a variety of occupations in Edmonton and Winnipeg, including carpenter's helper, draftsman, and salesman. He joined Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) in Winnipeg in September 1939 and deployed to England. He was promoted to Corporal in 1940 and was part of a Pioneer platoon, developing expertise in dismantling ordnance. Leaving PPCLI in September 1942, he attended officer training school in Gordon Head, Victoria, BC. Commissioned in January 1943, he worked as an instructor in Canada and England. In September 1943 he married Betty Crow of Dorking, England. He rejoined PPCLI in Italy as a Captain in July 1944. He was awarded a U.S. decoration, the Bronze Star, for dismantling mines while under fire; and the Commander-in-Chief's Citation for outstanding service in North West Europe. After the war, Jim and Betty settled in Edmonton, where Jim operated Horton's Old Books, a second-hand and antiquarian bookstore. They had two daughters, including Patricia Horton Webb. Jim died on February 5, 1998.