Jimmie Lee Van Horn, Jr

Reverend Jimmie Lee Van Horn Jr. was born on April 13, 1964 to Jimmie and Mary Van Horn. Even though Jimmie was born with a critical heart condition and wasn’t expected to live, he pressed on, tried to do right and be a light for others. He attended Northwest High School and due to health, was unable to finish. He would later successfully obtain his high school diplomat and go on to attend National College, receiving a bachelor’s degree in Computer Technology. He worked at the Indiana Purdue University library for 10 years. At 11 years old Jimmie accepted Christ as his personal savior. He was baptized at Ravenbrook Widow Missionary Baptist Church, where he served for 41 years. At the age of 16, Jimmie announced his calling to the ministry. Encouraged to educate himself in the things of the Lord, let the Holy Spirit lead him and serve, Jimmie began outreach ministry as a teenager. Teaching Sunday School at the Indiana Boys School, visiting the sick in the local hospitals and nursing homes, and ministering at the Indiana Women’s Prison. Ultimately, Jimmie would teach Wednesday night Bible Studies at the Indiana Youth Correctional Center for 15 years. Many of the young men referred to him as the “little preacher man”. Jimmie preached at various churches in Indianapolis and served as the Assistant Pastor at Ravenbrook for many years under Pastor Rubin Fields Sr. and Pastor Anthony Harris. He continued to serve in whatever capacity needed. After his time at Ravenbrook, Jimmie joined All Friends Missionary Baptist Church where he loved and was loved. He served under Pastor James Roberts where he taught Sunday School, Bible Study and preached the word of God as needed. Jimmie never dwelt on how ill he was or never allowed it to hold him back. Told that he wouldn’t live beyond the ages of 3, 13, 17, 21 and even in recent years being given limited chances on life, he continued to defy those odds and continue to serve the Lord. At the age of 18, he made the decision to have a 24-hour heart operation that gave him a 30% chance to live. He did live and came home and asked for his favorite dish, Spaghetti and continued working for the Lord. He always gave full credit to the Lord with his favorite saying, “To God be the Glory”. Jimmie loved sports and movies. He loved getting together with his buddies to see the Pacers or the Colts play. He loved going to the movies, especially catching his favorite, James Bond. He really enjoyed his time at his beloved Panera Bread and having Bible Study with his group of buddies who loved studying the word of God on Saturday mornings. Jimmie was preceded in death by his fathers Jimmie Lee Van Horn Sr. and Oliver Rowe, grandparents, and sister, Theresa Rowe. He is survived by his mother, Mary Rowe, his brothers and sisters: Dwayne Van Horn, Rodney Van Horn, Nicole Bingham (Steven), Eric Rowe (Camille), Gordon Rowe (Millicent), Sylia Williams (Will), Patrick Van Horn and Patricia Van Horn, Lynda Reed, Oliver Rowe, Joyce George and James Rowe; aunts, uncles, cousins; many nieces and nephews; and a host of relatives and friends.