Jim Widner, 75, of O’Fallon, formerly of Lebanon, died Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, at his home.
He was born in 1946 in Hartville, Mo. to Flossie (Pearman) Widner and Jesse Lawson Widner.
On June 30, 1973, he married Lana (Enloe) Widner in Jefferson City.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Jessie Jordan, Mary Jane Snodgrass; and mother-in-law, Jane Enloe.
Jim was a 1964 graduate of Lebanon High School and the University of Missouri. He received an MA in Music from Memphis State University and did postgraduate work at the University of North Texas. Jim enjoyed a storied career as a member of the big bands of Stan Kenton, Woody Herman, the Glenn Miller Orchestra. For 35 years he led the Jim Widner Big Band.
Survivors include his wife Lana; a son, Lance Widner (Stephanie Kiefer) of Larchmont, N.Y.; Jamie Perrin (Jason) of Mansfield, Texas; grandson, James Perrin, and granddaughters Joe and Mila Widner; father-in-law, Marvin Enloe; nine nieces and nephews, eight great-nieces and nephews and six great-great-nieces and nephews.
A musical celebration to honor the life and legacy of Jim Widner will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021, at the Lee Theater, Touhill Performing Arts Center, University of Missouri — St. Louis. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy and donations may be made to: JEN:https://members.jazzednet.org/donations/in-memory-of-jim-widner/
