“beloved husband, father, and grandfather”

HEBRON CENTER, PA—James Frederick VanHorn passed away surrounded by his family in UPMC Cole, Coudersport, on Thursday, January 4, 2024.

James was born on Sunday, September 17, 1950, a son of Raymond Arthur and Grace Evelyn Burrows VanHorn.  On July 20, 1974 in Keating Summit, he married Starlette Haight, who survives.

Jim was employed at Pittsburgh Corning in Port Allegany for close to 40 years.  He owned and operated his own garage and towing company, J & S Auto in Sweden Valley, for years where he enjoyed meeting and talking with people.

Jim was known for his good humor,  tinkering in his garage with anything mechanical.  He shared his love of outdoors and horses with his wife of nearly 50 years.  He also loved visiting with family and his grandchildren.

Jim is survived by his wife Star; two daughters, Amy (Daniel) Thompson and Valerie (Ron) Cornelius; a son, Dustin (Kristen) VanHorn; thirteen grandchildren: Nat Thompson, Benjamin Thompson, William Cornelius, Bryson Cornelius, Kyla Wright, Makayla Currier, Daigen Keller, Waylon VanHorn, Cash VanHorn, Braxlee VanHorn, Andrew Bear, Ella Bear, and Bo Bear; a great-grandchild, Aurori Cornelius; a sister, Donna Lathrop; two brothers, Richard VanHorn and Alvin VanHorn; plus many nieces and nephews

He was preceded in death by both parents, a brother Raymond VanHorn, and two sisters, Carol Free and Florence Schwartz; and a nephew, Alvin VanHorn.

In keeping with Jim’s wishes, there will be no public visitation.  A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Jim’s name may be made to the Hillman Cancer Center, 1001 East Second Street, Coudersport, PA 16915.

Jim’s family entrusted his care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

To express condolences, light a candle, or share a fond memory of Jim, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.