James J. Horney

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of James Jay
Horney, who left us on Sunday, February 4, 2024, in St. Louis, Missouri.
Born January 18, 1965, in Monmouth, Illinois Jay grew up in Roseville,
Illinois. He is preceded in death by his father, Wendell Sloan Horney, and
mother Mary Francis (Hall) Horney and great-niece Sloane Kay Cantwell.
He is survived by his son Alexander James Horney Brasseur and Alex’s
partner, Noni Meredith of St. Louis, Missouri. He is also survived by his
sister, Christine (Tom) Cantwell of Clermont, Florida and brother Richard
Hornay of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Jay was also loved by his nieces, nephews & extended family; Rachel
Hornay of Denver, CO; Drew, Megan, Tripp, Miller and Kyle Cantwell of
Baton Rouge, LA; Emily Hornay & Kyle Kalevik of Tulsa, OK; Hunter
Hornay of Portland, ME and Alex’s mother, Cindy Brasseur of St. Louis,
MO.

Jay befriended thousands of people over the years as manager of Van’s
Tavern in Kirkwood, MO. His friendship was treasured by countless folks,
who will keep his iconic memory alive.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his love and legacy will
live on in our hearts forever.

A celebration of Jay’s life will be scheduled at a later date.

14 Comments

  1. Lisa Davis Carlberg on February 20, 2024 at 10:46 am

    This is a hard time and I hope my shared story will remind you that you’re not alone in your grief. I have countless memories of the fun adventures from growing up with Jay in Swan Creek and throughout high school. After our HS friend group graduated and we started our lives in different places we lost touch. Then one day I walked into a one of our favorite restaurants in St Louis with my family to find Jay working. It was so fun catching up. Then every time we returned he always made time for us, even when he was so busy working. I can still see in my memories that great slight smile. He was great at making people feel seen and he will truly be missed.



  2. Chris on February 20, 2024 at 1:01 pm

    Lisa,
    Thank you so much for your kind words.
    Jay will be missed and we cherish these comments and memories. Chris



  3. Pat Tinker on February 20, 2024 at 1:57 pm

    My condolences to your family. I attended HS with his parents. Wendell played sports when my father was the coach in Roseville. Prayers and peace at this time.
    Pat Tinker Patnode



  4. Joy Baker on February 20, 2024 at 6:36 pm

    So sorry to read this. Prayers for the family.



  5. Kirk James Mecum on February 20, 2024 at 9:26 pm

    Jay & I grew up together & I had known him my entire life. We knew each other extremely well. We could be in a room full of people & look at each other & know what the other was thinking. Jay will be greatly missed. My deepest condolences to the family.



  6. Cathy (Johnson) Lescher on February 21, 2024 at 12:08 pm

    To all of Jay’s family, I am so sorry for you loss. Jay was a very sweet and caring person. Keep your memories close to your heart.



  7. Connie (Hunter) Corbin on February 21, 2024 at 1:57 pm

    So sorry for your loss! Gone too soon!



  8. Barb Smith Finch on February 21, 2024 at 5:23 pm

    So so sad to hear this. I grew up with Jay from kindergarten on through high school. I lost track of him after high school as our lives became quite different and busy. I will always cherish my memories of him. Sending my deepest condolences to his family and friends.



  9. Patty Reutter (Gibbs) on February 21, 2024 at 8:32 pm

    Jay (dad would say JJ) I sure will miss you. All those late nights at your mom and dad’s and climbing out your window! I will always cherish our time when we were young. Your mom making me Cocoa Wheat in the mornings, to riding bikes EVERYWHERE, swimming at Kirk’s, and you helping me learn gymnastics. Hugs to you my forever friend. Love you!



  10. Sara Mesecher Gooding on February 24, 2024 at 11:52 am

    So sorry for the family’s loss. So young. Jay was young than me but I know the familyband worked with his Mom Mary at LaMoine Christian Nursing Home years ago



  11. Robert Di Stefano on February 28, 2024 at 5:46 pm

    Jay was a unique awesome loving empathetic person. One of a kind. He should have had more years. Everyone wishes they could have spent more time with him. He helped me so much. It is lonely without him and the bar/hotel won’t be the same. I am glad he is at peace. but selfishly wish he were still here. Alex and his mother are amazing people and my heart goes to them.



  12. Jk h on March 2, 2024 at 9:05 pm

    ❤️❤️❤️ Jay. I’m so sorry I wasn’t stronger to protect u. I’ll always love u💙💙💙💙💙💙



  13. Jamie (DeCounter) Becker on March 3, 2024 at 10:49 am

    I was so sorry to hear about Jay. We had lots of fun memories during our school years in Roseville. Sending my condolences to his family & friends.



  14. Shelly Hopkins on March 5, 2024 at 8:50 am

    So very sorry to hear of Jay’s passing. I enjoyed many evenings at Vans with him. He was a lovely man.



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