John Carroll Horton, Sr., at age 76, was called Home to Glory by our Heavenly Father, on

Father’s Day morning, June 15, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at Inspira Medical Center

Mullica Hill, in Mullica Hill, New Jersey. John, affectionately called “JC”, was born on May 6,

1949, in Fort Jackson, South Carolina to Gladys and Leah Horton (nee Pewgh). He was the

beloved brother to professional drummer Yogi (predeceased), Emma and Anita.

JC briefly lived in Japan as a toddler, through his father’s military service. JC and his family

returned stateside and planted roots in Teaneck, Bergen County, New Jersey where JC received

most of his education. He finished his last year of high school at Harlem Preparatory School in

New York City. In the summer of 1966, JC enlisted in the US Army and was deployed to

Vietnam as a Paramedic in the 101st Airborne Division SCREAMING EAGLES! He was proud

of his service, a proud paratrooper and was a highly decorated combat veteran. Among his

earned service medals are The Purple Heart, Vietnam Service Medal w/1 Silver Service Star, and

Bronze Star Medal. He was honorably discharged in 1969. He returned home to a parade held in

his honor. JC later earned his BA in Education from Springfield College in Massachusetts.

JC was the world traveler of the family. Having a nearly 30 year career in the airline industry, JC

began as a flight attendant for Eastern Airlines for 13 years. His many travels lead him to living

in Puerto Rico for 2 years, before moving to Decatur, Georgia. JC would go on to simultaneously

begin a successful 30+ year career as a real estate broker and loan officer. JC met Dawnn

Briddell, his wife of 28 years, in 1994. They would later marry in 1995, made their home in

Georgia, and welcomed their son, John Jr., on Labor Day, September 4, 2000. After Gladys and

Leah both went Home to be with The Lord, the Hortons returned to New Jersey to be closer to

Dawnn’s parents and family. JC retired from United (formerly known as Continental) Airlines in

2014 and retired from real estate in 2024.

JC loved The Lord with all his heart. He had the heart for helping those in need and absolutely

loved being in the “soul-saving business” working in prison ministry and outreach for over 40

years in Georgia and New Jersey. Both JC and John Jr. witnessed to the residents at the Camden

County Juvenile Detention Center during the COVID-19 pandemic virtually over Zoom, JC

called it, “Internet Church” between 2020-2024. On November 4, 2023, JC became a Licensed

Minister of Christ Care Unit Missionary Baptist Church and Cathedral.

JC’s love for Jesus, contagious smile, memorable laugh, unique sense of humor, work ethic and

one-of-a-kind spirit lives on in his son. JC loved his son dearly and poured everything into him.

JC is survived by his son, John Jr., his best friend, Dawnn, Father-in-law, Ted Briddell, extended

family, and close friends.

“Thank you for The Lamb, the Precious Lamb of God