Vassalboro – James R. Horner, 95, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Dec. 26, 2018. He was born Sept.
20, 1923 in Manchester, New Hampshire, the son of James R. Horner Jr. and Helen (Anthony) Horner. Jim grew up in Ohio and New Hampshire, graduating from Concord High School in 1941. After a year at Wake Forest University in North Carolina, Jim enlisted in WWII where he was Navy Midshipman (Quartermaster 1st Class) on the USS Wenatchee as part of the Third Fleet in… Read More » the Asiatic-Pacific Theater.
He returned and finished college in Business Administration at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Jim married Barbara (Nedeau) Horner, his wife of 70 years, in 1948. He was a private school administrator for over 35 years, working at St. Paul School in Concord New Hampshire, Western Reserve Academy in Hudson Ohio, Hinckley School in Hinckley Maine, and finally retiring in 1988 from Durham Academy in Durham North Carolina.
His dedication to the education of youth was deep. He was a loyal Rotarian with perfect attendance for 30 years, and a Master Mason at the Blazing Star Eureka Masonic Lodge #11 in Concord New Hampshire. Jim enjoyed travelling, attending college football and basketball games, summer vacations on the lakes of Maine and New Hampshire, and golfing at Natanis Golf Course in Vassalboro when he retired.
He was an exercise enthusiast, swimmer, and jogger long before it became popular. He liked to share jokes and was friendly to all who crossed his path. He was survived by his wife, Barbara; son Stewart and his wife Cindy of Waterville and daughter Peggy and her husband Ted May of Columbia MO; granddaughter Heather Provost and her husband Lucas of Albion, and grandson Travis Horner and friend Josh Rideout of Portland; great grandchildren Madalyn, Ryder, and Miles Provost; his sister Ann Melvin of Barrington New Hampshire and sister-in-law Suzanne Horner of North Port Florida; and 6 nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his brother William (Bill) Horner of Portland and brother Robert (Bob) Horner of North Port, Florida. The family would like to thank Holly Pilsbury for caring for Jim the last 3 years, the many exceptional neighbors and friends who checked in on Dad, and for Northern Lights Hospice for their support of Dad’s final journey. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 am, January 19, 2019, at the Vassalboro United Methodist Church.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories may be expressed at www. gallantfh.com.
Those who wish may honor Jim’s life by making a gift in his memory to the Vassalboro United Methodist Church, 614 Main Street, Vassalboro 04989 or the Vassalboro Food Pantry, 26 Ferland Lane, Vassalboro, Maine 04989.
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