James Hornback

James D. “Jim” Hornback, 73 of Hodgenville, KY passed away Thursday, July 11, 2019, at Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville, TN following his battle against a benign but aggressive and rare brain tumor.

As the proud owner of The Shoebox Shop, Jim was a master craftsman of classic car restoration. He was an avid private pilot, a superior auto mechanic, and an outstanding teacher to thousands of military and civilian personnel in the field of military equipment mechanics. He finished his professional career as Supervisor & Specialist in Plans and Training which included every classroom and field facility at Ft. Knox until he retired in 1998. His everlasting spirit of competition was evident through his drag racing as well as tractor pulling escapades. He loved the challenge of pushing himself to learn and explore and with the heart of a teacher always at the forefront, he encouraged everyone around him to the be the very best at whatever they pursued. He often said, “you can be anything you want to be if you want it bad enough.”

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Alma Mae Self Hornback and James Everett Hornback and his brother, Paul Edward Hornback.

He is survived by his wife of almost 56 years, Patricia Ann Newton Hornback; along with his only child, Sharon Ann (Eddie) Brawner of Nashville; two granddaughters, Shelby ReyAnne Burns (21) and Addison Mae Burns (17). He is also survived by his only sister, Betty Jean Esposito of Hodgenville along with many nieces and nephews.

Celebration of Life services will be held at 2 PM, Sunday, July 21, 2019, at Bennett and Bertram Funeral Home in Hodgenville with Bro. Jerry Brown and Bro. Roger McGuffin officiating. Burial will follow in the Red Hill Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 3 to 6 PM, Saturday and after 12 noon Sunday at the funeral home.

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