Sept. 14, 2026- James Warner began his journey through Toms River Schools in 1969 as a second grader, and graduated High School South as a member of the Class of 1979. He remains tied to TR, though fans of his debut novel know him better as J.S. Warner.

It's called Measured Steps, and it's a psychological thriller that is first in a planned series subtitled The Claire Morrison Files. It's taken Warner on an 18-stop book-signing tour, which reaches the Barnes & Noble in Brick at 1 p.m. Oct. 17.

Warner himself has taken "measured steps" toward a writing career. After graduating South, he attended Stockton State College and earned a B.S. in mathematics. Then it was off to the Philippines, where he taught math at Mindanao State University in Marawi City. In 1984, Warner accepted a teaching position at Tafuna High School in American Samoa, where he met his wife of now 40 years, with whom he has four children.

Three of those four children came through Toms River Schools, just like Dad. Warner still fondly recalls his days and teachers at Walnut Street, Hooper, and Intermediate West, where he was a member of that school's first graduating class. But his affection for High School South remains strongest.

"My time at South was during what I consider a legendary era," Warner said. "I started in 1975 and graduated in 1979. Our class was the only one to go through all four years on split session. High School East opened after I graduated, so we lived through some growing pains. I played football, wrestling and track and field. I was never a starter, but I did win a gold medal with two teammates in discus and a silver medal in shot put at the Indian Relays in 1977. I still have both medals. We had great coaches at that time, including Signorino, DeMarco, Frank, Frazier and Bush."

And while the athletic accolades and memories still resonate, it was his time in the classroom that most impacted Warner's future.

"Some of the teachers at South had a lasting impact on me," Warner said. "Herr Klar, my German teacher, had the most effect on me. I took three years of his courses, and his class kept me from dropping out of school. Mr. Kelly, my senior year English teacher, was another favorite. Mr. Steitz in mechanical drawing was extremely enjoyable. I took his courses for all four years. Mrs. Servodio, one of my math teachers, was also enjoyable. And of course, Mr. Correll, 'The Voice of the Indians.' I never had him as a teacher. He was a true South legend."

From potential high school dropout to international calculus teacher to ... nurse-turned-author? Warner's career arc is as legendary as his time at South. While teaching in the Linden school system (to which he commuted every day from South Toms River from 2001 through his retirement in 2026), Warner decided to go back to school at Monmouth University and attain an MSN (master of science in nursing) and school nurse certification. He parlayed his time as a school nurse and love for writing into three children's books: Nurse Jim's Helping Hands, Nurse Jim and The Case of The Missing Smiles, and Nurse Jim's New School, which were published in four languages.

Since retiring from teaching and nursing in March of 2026, Warner has settled into a new life as an indie author. His debut novel, Measured Steps, was published in February of this year. Better yet, time away from work and school has even allowed him to self promote.

"After retiring, I thought about trying a book signing, so I walked into Barnes & Noble in Brick and spoke with the manager. He scheduled my first signing for July 11, 2026," he said. "I then started contacting other Barnes & Noble stores, and that is how I ended up with 18 stops, with Brick inviting me back Oct. 17."

You can catch him there next month, pick up a copy of Measured Steps, and have it signed. It'll be more than an author's signature, but that of a teacher, mathematician, nurse, father, husband, grandfather, and proud Jersey Shore and Toms River product. A renaissance man from a legendary era.

Learn more about J.S. Warner, his books, and upcoming events at jswarnerauthor.com.