Jimmie "Jim" Wayne Horner, age 80, of Dyersburg, TN, passed away peacefully at his residence on February 13, 2025. Born on September 16, 1944, in Dyersburg, TN, Jim was the beloved son of the late Dee and Virginia Sue Frost Horner.

Jim and Bobby Byars were digging ditches for Forcum Lannom when they were very young and they decided they didn't want to do that for a living. So they decided to go to school and get a better job than digging ditches. Later in life, Jim worked in construction putting roofs on houses when he was waiting to find out if he passed the bar exam.

He played league baseball for Dyersburg Cotton Products and was a graduate of Dyersburg High School.

Jim was a dedicated attorney at law, having received his Bachelor of Science from Union University in 1972 and his Juris Doctor from the School of Law University of Memphis in 1975. His career was marked by numerous roles, including serving as a State Trooper for the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Director of Internal Affairs with the State of Tennessee Department of Safety, Dyersburg City Judge, and District Public Defender for Dyer and Lake Counties. From 1980 to 1990, he served as the District Attorney General with the 29th Judicial District. Jim also shared his knowledge by teaching classes at Dyersburg State and U.T. Martin.

Jim proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1963 to 1966 and continued his service in the Tennessee Air National Guard until 1995. He was a life member of the American Legion, the NRA and a member of the VFW, reflecting his deep commitment to his fellow veterans.

In 1979 he was named Dyersburg Jaycees "Outstanding Young Man of America" and in 1977, he was named "Outstanding Young Man of the Year".

His community involvement was extensive, including his role as Chair of the Dyer County Republican Party alongside his wife, Jewell. A lifelong member of Hillcrest Baptist Church, Jim served as a Sunday School Director and Teacher, embodying his strong faith and dedication to his community. Jim always made sure that all veterans of all wars had flags on their graves on Memorial Day at East Court City Cemetery.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Jewell Horner of Dyersburg, TN; his sons, Ricky Horner of Murfreesboro, TN, and Larry Horner of Memphis, TN; his brother, Robert Horner (Elizabeth) of Dyersburg, TN; and his cherished grandchildren, Laura Leigh Horner and Lee Anna Horner.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his brothers, Dee Peery Horner and Ray Horner, and his sisters, Jean Anthony, Betty Willard, and Ann Burroughs.

Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 16, 2025, in the chapel of Dyersburg Funeral Home, with Bro. Danny O'Guin, Bro. Shawn Allred, and Bro. Phil Hall officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 4-6 p.m. on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Dyersburg Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Brian Overton, Clay Stack, Clint Stack, Matthew Goodrum, Justin Goodrum and Ben Goodrum. Honorary pallbearers will be Richard Peery Horner, Anthony Peery Horner, Marty Joe Horner, Johnny Peery Horner and Dee Peery Horner, Jr.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Salvation Army or to the Transition of Dyer County.

Jim will be remembered for his love of hunting and fishing, his dedication to his family and community, and his unwavering service to his country. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.