Join us on Friday Mornings at Sheraton Palo Alto Hotel
In Honor of Jim Van Horne
We dedicate this page to celebrating and remembering Jim Van Horne, a beloved member of our Rotary family who passed away in September 2025. To know Jim was to feel immediately seen — he had a rare and genuine gift for making every person in a conversation feel that what they had to say truly mattered. That deep belief in the value of human connection shaped one of our club's most cherished traditions: Van Horne Time, the sacrosanct table-talk interlude between Announcements and the Speaker that Jim championed as vital to our fellowship. More than a few verbose Presidents received "the look" when their agendas threatened to crowd it out. Beyond our Rotary halls, Jim led a life of remarkable achievement and quiet grace — Stanford professor for 42 years, devoted husband to Mimi, proud father of three sons, and delighted grandfather of seven. A man of deep intellect and even deeper warmth, he touched thousands of lives across decades of teaching, service, and friendship. Please enjoy the recording of our tribute meeting below, featuring a homage video and heartfelt remembrances shared by fellow Friday Morning Mavericks..
Ken Graham
As club liaison for our Emeriti members, and on their behalf, it is with deep respect and warmth that we honor the memory of Jim Van Horne, a cornerstone of the Rotary Club of Palo Alto / University. Joining PAUR some 35 years ago, Jim brought with him a level of professional grace and personal integrity that immediately enriched our club’s culture. Throughout his remarkable tenure, he remained an exceptionally active member, consistently dedicating his time and talents to our many service initiatives
In June 2024, the PAUR Board of Directors approved Jim as an Emeritus member. Jim was truly the perfect candidate for this Emeriti recognition, meeting every rigorous criterion for Emeriti status with ease. Beyond the formal requirements, Jim expressed a profound and sincere desire to remain affiliated with the PAUR. In fact he deferred his membership in the Emeriti for a whole year, as he thought that he wanted to remain a regular club member in order to continue to support the club with his donations. The Emeriti were able to eventually convince him that the Club always is happy to receive donations from the Emeriti members.
We remember Jim today for his steadfast commitment to our values and the quiet, steady leadership he provided to us all. His legacy as a devoted Rotarian and a true gentleman will remain a guiding light for our club for years to come.
Sally Mahoney
I knew Jim Van Horne both as a Stanford colleague and as a fellow Rotarian. At Stanford he held a distinguished chair: the PA Giannini Chair in Finance. At no time did he communicate a sense of entitlement. Rather, he was generous in his curiosity about the interests of younger colleagues whether academic or service oriented here at Rotary. He was curious about how younger colleagues saw the future, and he mentored many who loved and admired him. He always wanted to know how he could help out, for example, on his work with Georgie on minutes and other details. Self-effacing and fun. He had high standards and was given to truth-telling. I saw him here at Channing House about 10 days before his passing. He was clear-eyed and matter of fact about what was happening and appreciative of the support he was getting from the staff. I valued his friendship and already miss him.
KP Naidu
​​When I first saw Professor Jim Van Horne, I almost p***d myself! Here was a picture, from the cover of a book on financial management, coming to life. His book was a required reading, especially if you wanted to specialize in Finance at business school. Never did I imagine being in the same room as this legend. It took me a long while to work up the courage to speak to him. But over the course of attending a few salons at his home and sharing Van Horne time at breakfast I saw what a kind, generous and warm hearted person he was. He was erudite, incisive and knowledgeable. And he wore his wisdom and knowledge lightly, sharing his advice or opinion with a smile and kindness of phrase. He looked to find ways to bring people together. Van Horne time will not be the same without him. But it will stay with PAUR as part of his legacy for a very long time. I am grateful that I got to know him.