James Michael Horner

In Loving Memory of Dr. James Michael Horner

Dr. James "Jim" Michael Horner, age 79, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2026. Born on March 13, 1947, he was the beloved son of the late Helen and Charles Horner.

Jim graduated from Seaholm High School before attending Albion College, where he was a standout dual-sport athlete in basketball and baseball. His extraordinary talents on the diamond earned him an induction into the Albion College Athletic Hall of Fame and a spot playing professional baseball with the SF Giants. Despite his tremendous achievements on and off the field, Jim remained deeply humble, rarely boasting about his successes. A proud Michigan alumnus, he was a die-hard Wolverines fan who took immense joy in playfully teasing any and all Ohio State fans-Go Blue!

Following his athletic career, Jim earned his medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School. He completed his residency at The Ohio State University and advanced fellowship training at Stanford University. As a dedicated pediatric endocrinologist, Dr. Horner served young patients across several hospitals in the Toledo area and taught at the University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences. He loved his work immensely, devoting countless hours to researching and looking for a cure for juvenile diabetes, as well as providing compassionate, tireless care to his young patients. Every summer, he took his patients to adventure camps, creating cherished memories for them outside the clinic.

Jim cared deeply for everyone around him. His clinic staff was family to him, which meant he showed his affection by giving them a hard time and he loved when they gave it right back. In his free time, Jim loved playing golf and tennis, traveling, and staying active. He was a devout patriot who loved America deeply and always wanted the best for his country and his family. Strong in his faith, Jim read his Bible daily alongside new books on faith, striving constantly to honor and please the Lord. He found great fellowship and lifelong friendship within his church community group.

Above all, Jim was a devoted family man with a quiet strength that brought comfort and peace to those around him. He loved his family fiercely and made it a point to be there whenever he could attending games, plays, and special events to cheer them on. Whenever he was in the stands, he was usually the loudest voice in the room, often directed straight at the referees. He was a notorious prankster with an affectionate, bear-hug style of showing love: he was known for pulling his sons-in-law in for a hug, landing a playful punch to the stomach, and picking up loved ones for tight, breath-stealing squeezes. He adored his seven grandchildren, rarely seen without a camera in hand to capture every moment. Jim also had an endless warmth for animals, treating his beloved pets like royalty and receiving their unconditional love in return.

Jim is survived by his five children: Lisa (Paul) Birkenbine, David Drafts, Jenny (Matt) Patton, Stephen Horner, and Joel (Aya) Romero; and his seven cherished grandchildren: Jolie, Kelsey, Emily, Drew, Liam, Emma, and Kloe.

He was preceded in death by his wives, Christina (Kelsey) Horner (d. April 1990) and Deborah (Duty) Horner (d. December 2013); and his brothers, Robert Horner and John Horner.

Family and friends may visit Friday, October 2, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Avenue. The Funeral Service will be Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Westgate Chapel, 2500 Wilford Dr, Toledo.