James Hurst Horner

James Hurst Horner (Jim), 91, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2015, in Chester, Virginia. He loved God, his country, and his family and friends, who mourn his loss as they celebrate a life well lived.
Born April 14, 1924, to parents Gladys Hurst Horner and Alden Joseph Horner, Jim entered the world as a Virginia farm boy who went on to do well in all areas of life.
He attended Midlothian High School before dutifully serving his country as U.S. Army First Sergeant in World War II, from 1943 until 1946. Jim graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) with a degree in mechanical engineering and followed that with a successful 25-year career at Brenco, leading innovative efforts to develop manufactured railway bearings.
He contributed to his community, especially to First Baptist Church in Petersburg, Virginia, where he was both a longtime parishioner as well as an active leader who helped the church thrive as a spiritual home for decades.
He was an exemplary husband, father, grandfather, stepfather, friend, and neighbor, who left an indelible impression on those who knew and loved him. While he enjoyed many interests and traveled the world, he never forgot his roots and always relished the great joy in simple things. He was a humble man of quiet strength, with a disarming and charming sense of humor, and a gentle approach to everyone and everything. Despite health setbacks in recent years, he retained his grace, sense of humor and kindness to the end.
He leaves behind his devoted wife, Janice P. Horner; loving daughter, Katherine H. Rhodes (Terry) and daughter-in-law, Maria Brown; grandchildren, Christopher Richards, James Richards (Michelle), Alex Horner, and Jackson Horner; stepchildren, Elizabeth Singleton, Bruce Singleton, Beau Singleton (Judi) and Dave Singleton; and close family and friends. He was preceded in death by son, James Byrd Horner, wife, Mary Byrd Horner, and brother, Alden J. Horner.
The visitation is from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 19, 2015, at J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home, 103 South Adams Street, Petersburg, Virginia. A graveside burial service will follow the next day, Sunday, September 20, at 2:00 p.m., at Central Baptist Church, 1510 Courthouse Road, Richmond, Virginia. Reverend Robert Dawson will be officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made in honor of James Hurst Horner to First Baptist Church, 235 West Washington Street, Petersburg Virginia, 23803.
Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com