James “Jim” Horrie of Lake Wales passed away Sunday, March 16, 2025, at his residence after a brave fight with cancer.
He was born September 11, 1937, in Joliet, Illinois, to the late James and Kathryn (Savage) Horrie. Jim was raised in Gardner, Illinois, where he graduated from GSW High School and met the love of his life, Kay. While in Braceville, IL, they began their family of five children, and Jim also pursued his racing career, driving the notorious 97, which he built from scratch. Later, they moved to a farm in Saunemin, IL, where he raised cattle and livestock. After retirement, Jim and Kay became “snowbirds” before finally settling in Lake Wales, FL, in 2017.
A retired truck mechanic, Jim was a devoted Chevy and Mack truck man. He was a die-hard fan of NASCAR (especially Dale Earnhardt), the Chicago Cubs, and the Bears. He embraced the lake life, spending much of his time fishing until illness slowed him down.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James and Kathryn Horrie; his son, William Wayne Horrie; siblings, Sandy Lardi and Jerry Horrie; and grandsons, Casey Kohlmeier and Alex Horrie. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Kay L. Horrie; daughters, Loni Kay Togliatti and husband Michael of Murphy, North Carolina, and Keri Jo Schmidt and husband Donny of Saunemin, Illinois; sons, James Lee Horrie and wife Christine of Lake Wales, and Gary Shaine Horrie and wife Tina of Danvers, Illinois; sister, Lila Dite of Morris, Illinois; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials can be made to the Casey Kohlmeier Memorial Foundation.
