James Paul Gardner

Jim Gardner, son of Don and Mary Gardner, was born in Columbus, Ohio, on September 30, 1942 and entered his heavenly rest on July 17, 2022. Jim was preceded in death by his wife Carol Badgett Gardner in 1979 and his son Jason Paul Gardner in 1999. Jim worked for Sanese Services for 45 years. He started at age 15 doing janitorial jobs and at the time of his stroke in 2002, Jim was vice-president of operations. Jim was an avid skier, was active in The Scioto Boat Club, and enjoyed annual family ski trips at Dale Hollow Lake in TN. Jim is survived by his son Brett (Brenda) Gardner, his daughter Colleen (Brian) Lafrinere, his grandchildren Beckett and Elliana, his siblings—David (Jaci), Joan (Dan Igo), Judy Murphy, Don (Hannah)— and his former wife Diana Riggsby. After his stroke, Jim was determined to recover and worked tirelessly to improve. Jim never complained or felt sorry for himself. Rather Jim was always interested in his visitors and their lives and was well informed on world events. Jim was an inspiration. A Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 1559 Roxbury Road on Friday, July 29, 2022 at 11 am. Visitation will be held at the church one hour prior to the Mass. Donations in Jim’s memory may be made to Stephanie Speilman Breast Cancer at cancer.OSU.edu, or Samaritan’s Purse at Samaritanspurse.org, or any charity of choice.