James Brainard Horton died on August 2, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Jim, the son of the late Angeline and Frank Horton, was born in Connecticut on October 20, 1927. He was a longtime resident of Berlin, Conn., and was retired from Horton Brasses, a well-known and highly regarded manufacturer of authentic reproduction brass furniture hardware.
Horton Brasses was founded by his father, Frank Horton, in the early 1930s. After serving in the Army during the Korean War, Jim joined his dad in the operation of the business. He moved the company from the basement of their home on Worthington Ridge in Berlin, into the former J.&E. Stevens’ buildings in Cromwell, Conn.
Jim and his wife Barbara worked together developing and expanding the business, helping it become the great manufacturer of authentic reproduction brass furniture hardware it is today. Horton Brasses supplies antique dealers, furnituremakers and restorers worldwide. Jim retired in 1992 when his daughter bought the company. Today her son, Orion Horton Henderson, is the fourth generation to own the company, still located in Cromwell.
Jim leaves his wife Barbara (Cote) Horton †the love of his life. Barbara grew up in New Britain, Conn. She devoted herself to his care for the entire 14 years of his illness. He also leaves three daughters: Barbara, Nancy and Mary; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Burial will be in Berlin and services will be at a later date.
