James Melvin "Jack" Horner, 84, of Chesterfield, Missouri, passed away peacefully May 26, 2019 at his home. He was born February 26, 1935 in Phillipsburg, Missouri, the son of Rev. Cecil E. and Linnie (McCoy) Horner. He graduated from Caledonia High School,, and attended Flat River Junior College and Washington University in St. Louis before serving two years in the United States Army. He then earned his Bachelor's, Master's and Doctorate degrees from the University of Alabama. He married Evelyn Jane Thieme on June 22, 1957 in St.. Louis, and they became the parents of two children. His professional career was spent in teaching and university administration, including serving as the 11th President of Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, Missouri, from 1979 to 1985. Prior to joining CMSU, he served as vice-president and provost at Illinois State University, and Dean of the faculty and professor of Mathematics at the University of Alabama. His leadership at CMSU was vital during a time of transformation for the University. Following his presidency, he returned to his passion for teaching mathematics, and then accepted a civilian post with the United States Army before retiring in 2001. After retirement, he enjoyed his family, friends, reading and woodworking. His love for education continued, as he donated his body to medical science at Washington University. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Evelyn, of the home; a son, Dr. Steven Horner (Sara) of Belleville, Illinois; a daughter,, Karen Horner of Baldwin, Missouri; a sister, Ruth Colville, of Savannah, Missouri; a brother, Leland Horner of Moorhead, Minnesota; four grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers: Marvin Horner, Gerald Horner, and two in infancy.