James “Jim” Horner passed from this earth on Feb 28, 2024. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday March 6, 2024 at 9:30am at Church of Corpus Christi. Burial will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery. The service will be livestreamed on the Church of Corpus Christi website https://www.youtube.com/c/CorpusBismarck
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 from 5:00 to 7:00pm with a rosary at 7:00pm at the Bismarck Funeral Home. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.
Jim was born on October 11, 1942 to George and Johanna Horner in Linton, ND. He spent his younger years in the Linton area, where his days were filled with working on the farm and playing basketball, football, and baseball. He attended Bismarck Junior College where he played baseball. He continued playing softball following college in Bismarck.
He met the love of his life, Del, at a wedding dance at the Eagles in Bismarck. Jim continued to court Del in his 1957 Desoto. They were married on April 27, 1963 at St Mary’s Church in Bismarck and were married for 60 wonderful years. Jim spent all 70 years of his career at ND Guaranty and Title, 47 years as an employee, and 23 years on the Board of Directors. He was always proud to let people know that it was the only job he ever had. He started delivering and typing abstracts out of college. Jim served as President of the ND Land Title Association from 1981 to 1982. He was on the Abstractor’s Board of Examiners from 2007 to 2018. He served on the Legislative Committee from the mid 1970’s until his retirement from ND Guaranty & Title Co. He was an integral part of the association. He served on the Regulatory Committee, By-Law Committee, Nominating Committee and Audit Committee. He tried to retire several times, but each time he would make his way back to work the following Monday.
Jim and Del were part of the founding members of Corpus Christi Church in Bismarck. Their faith was very important to them and the raising of their children. Jim was a baseball fan to the end. He loved watching the NY Yankees and spent many days watching his son Wayne play for the Governors and throughout his college career. He also was a very loyal Packer football fan. He also spent many hours watching his daughter, Cherlene, play golf and cheerlead through her younger years.
His favorite job was being a proud “Papa.” Papa was most proud on the birth of each of his two granddaughters. His oldest Katie and youngest Annie, consumed his attention. If they were involved in an activity Jim and Del would be in the stands cheering them on. Papa was always their biggest fan. His next greatest moment was when he became a “Big” Papa to his great grandson Tommy. Having a little boy was his great joy. There was never a moment when a quick whipped joke or a moment to pick on his granddaughters was missed. His smile was infectious and could easily light up a room. His stories were always a bit bolder than maybe the actual events, but that is what made Jim who he was.
Jim is survived by his wife Adelphia “Del”; son, Wayne and daughter-in-law Lisa, New Orleans; daughter, Cherlene Nelson and son-in-law Dave, Bismarck; granddaughters, Katie and Nate Varty Bismarck, and Annie Nelson, Bismarck; great grandson, Tommy Varty; brothers, John and Dennis (Sally); sister- in- laws, Lucy Horner and Johanna Horner.
He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Johanna; brothers, Alvin and Billy; sisters, Verna, Luella, Ann Marie and Elaine.
Jim will be missed by all that knew him. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to American Legion Baseball in Bismarck, North Dakota or a charity of your choice.