James Lowell Jenner, 78, beloved husband, father, teacher and friend passed away after a long illness on Nov. 28, 2006.

He was born in Pipestone to Harry and Pearl (Potter) Jenner. Early years were spent in Glencoe, Fairmont and Albert Lea. He left high school to join the Merchant Marines at the end of World War II and returned to graduate as president of his class. He went to college at Bemidji State University on a basketball scholarship. Roy Maas from Albert Lea was his teacher and mentor. His education was interrupted with his enlistment in the USAF where he served in Korea. Upon returning to BSU he married Marlene Wrege. After graduating in 1957, he taught and coached in Azusa and the Newport-Mesa, Calif., districts. He completed his master&8217;s at LASU in California. He coached eight summers at the Ramey Tennis Camps and McNamara Tennis Program.

Jim, known as J.J. to his peers, students and their parents, was named Teacher of the Year twice during his 33 year career as a social studies teacher in Costa Mesa, Calif. Two scholarships were created in his name by parents of two of his students, one for academics and one for tennis. He is listed in Who&8217;s Who of American Teachers, First Edition. In 1996 he was honored to be recognized as one of nine BSU alumni inducted into the Teacher&8217;s Hall of Fame. Jim thoroughly enjoyed teaching. He was recognized throughout Orange County, Calif., for his promotion of excellence in world history and geography instruction. He was friendly, but firm and fair. He worked to instill self respect and self responsibility, and most of all… &8220;Being the person you can be.&8221;

After retirement the Jenners moved to Sun City, Ariz., where he appeared in several musicals and was a member of SC Stables where he boarded his Morgan horse, the Duffers Golf Group and the tennis club.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years; daughters Jona (Brian) Kalayjian of Desert Hot Springs, Calif., and Jayme (Tim) Osborn living in Morocco; seven grandchildren Quentin (Bethany), Baylea, Talia, Demetrius, Malik, Kai Osborn and Marissa Kalayjian; and great-grandchild Oliver Osborn. He is also survived by three half sisters, two half brothers and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Joyce Cassidy and Joan Sorenson.

Private services have been held. Memorials may be sent to Mary&8217;s Place, Interfaith Community Care, 17749 N. El Mirage Rd. # 1, Surprise, AZ 85374; or YWAM, W14580 County D, Weyerhaeuser, WI 54895; or Hospice of the Valley, 1510 East Flower St., Phoenix AZ 85014; or Estancia High School, 2323 Placentia Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92626.

The guy in the green jacket and red eagle cap is gone but will always be in the minds and hearts of his family, students and friends.