Dr. James E. Van Horn - 1989

James Van Horn was born in San Francisco, California, on October 28, 1937.  He was reared in Palmerdale, Alabama.  While attending Hewitt-Trussville high School, he won the Alabama Cross Country Championship, and participated in football.  Following high school, he participated and lettered in cross country, track, and rifle at the University of Alabama.  The University of Alabama conferred the B.S., M.A., and Ed. D. degrees for academic work completed. 

Van Horn served four and one half years active duty in the U.S. Army, following his initial graduation for the University of Alabama.  This service included 13 months in Viet Nam where he was decorated six times fro service as an armed helicopter pilot.  He has continued his military career in the U. S. Army Reserve with a current rank of Colonel. 

In 1972, while serving as Chairman of the Division of Health, Physical Education and Recreation at Jefferson State Junior College, he was tapped as Commissioner of the Alabama junior College Conference. He has held this position until the present date.  In addition he has served as Alabama’s representative to the National Junior College Athletic Association, first as assistant regional director (1972-76) and then as regional director (1976-present).  

While serving as NJCAA regional director, he was a member at various times of the Tennis, international Relations, Track and Field, and Executive Committees.  He has chaired the Baseball All American Awards and Districting Committees. As Athletic Director of Wallace State Community College, he was instrumental in hosting the first NJCAA Men’s Invitational Championship Fall Golf Tournament and the first eight NJCAA Women’s Invitational Championship Slowpitch Softball Tournaments.  He also has served as NJCAA Southeast District Baseball Director for 13 years. 

Dr. Van Horn currently resides in Cullman, Alabama, with his wife, Jane who is secretary for the Alabama Junior College Conference.  He is presently the Dean of Instruction and Athletic Director of Wallace State Community College.  He has two daughters – Sonya Van Horn and Barbara Lawrence.