James Vincent Hornsby

James Vincent Hornsby (Jim Moreno) of San Diego, CA passed away on December 2, 2025 at the age of 77. He was born on January 21, 1948 in Pittsburg, PA and relocated to Orlando, FL at a very young age where he grew up.

He graduated from Bishop Moore High School Orlando, FL in 1966. Jim then joined the Unites States Navy where he served during the Vietnam war. After his military service to our country, Jim attended the University of Florida Gainesville, FL where he became a true GATOR through and through. Jim received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Florida in 1975. He then continued his education in California where he received his Master Degree in 1979 after attending Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park, CA.

Jim initially worked as a drug and alcohol therapist where he began his life of service to others. Jim continued that life of service as he altered his career path to teaching poetry within California’s juvenile detention centers and through his personal dealings with the Chumash Indigenous people in central and southern California, later becoming a political activist.

Jim was a humble and gifted poet; a passionate political activist; and true artist in every sense of the word. He used his voice and his poetry to educate others as he loved working with young juveniles and teaching them to write. He was Vietnam Vet who believed that the Vietnam and Iraqi wars benefited the rich and exploited the poor and people of color. His presence was magnetic. His spirit was generous. And his heart was open to all. His kindness and openness built an extraordinary network of supporters and friends who were drawn to his warmth, his spirit, and his unwavering belief in people. He had a rare ability to make others feel valued, loved, and understood.

He is preceded in death by his parents Mother Miram Francis Hayes and Father Thomas Jefferson Hornsby III.

He is survived by his Daughter Jennifer Hornsby (Memphis, TN), Daughter Marian Fowler-Hornsby (San Diego, CA), sister Barbara Barati (Orlando, FL), sister Sheila Hornsby Green (Orlando, FL), Nephews Joe Barati (Bridgett Lyons) of Orlando, FL, Jeff Barati (Amy Barati) of Orlando, FL, Jamie Barati (Sage Morris-Webster) of Orlando, FL and great nieces and great nephews.

The family would like to thank John Moreno, Joe Milosch, Joe Sabate, Alfred Williams, and Loni Isom and Jack Smith for the care and compassion they showed our loved one throughout his life in California and especially in Jim’s final days.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his honor to The Chumash Tribe (https://chumash.gov/foundation), The Native American Rights Fund (https://narf.org) or the Poetry Society of America (https://poetrysociety.org)